Mt. Athos Hosts Annual Procession of Revered Mother of God Icon
The Bright Monday procession of the Axion Estin icon drew pilgrims and clergy across Mt. Athos in a six-hour prayerful journey.
MT. ATHOS — On April 13, 2026, Bright Monday, the annual procession with the revered Axion Estin icon of the Mother of God took place on Mt. Athos, drawing clergy, monastics, and pilgrims to the Holy Mountain’s administrative center. The event followed the traditional Athonite typikon.
The procession was led by Metr. Andreas of Saranta Ekklisies, alongside Elder Nikolaos, abbot of Koutloumousiou Monastery, and members of the monastic brotherhood. Beginning at the Protaton Church in Karyes, where the icon is housed, the procession passed monasteries and sketes as additional faithful joined along the route.
The Axion Estin icon holds deep spiritual significance in Orthodox tradition, as the Archangel Gabriel first sang the hymn "Axion Esti," or "It Is Truly Meet," before the icon in the 10th century. The six-hour procession is held annually, with prayers offered for the sanctification of creation and spiritual strengthening.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Hilandar Monastery marked the Nativity of Christ on Mt. Athos.
