Orthodox Pilgrims Gather in Poland for Feast of Supraśl Icon

SUPRAŚL, POLAND — Orthodox Christians from Poland and abroad gathered at the Supraśl Monastery on Aug. 9-10 for celebrations honoring the Supraśl Icon of the Mother of God, Hodegetria. Pilgrims traveled to the monastery in traditional ways, including walking from Białystok and kayaking from Gródek. An organized pilgrimage from Estonia also took part for the first time.

The festivities began with an All-Night Vigil attended by several bishops and clergy. A message from Metr. Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland was also read, conveying prayers and greetings to the faithful gathered for the feast.

Three Divine Liturgies were celebrated on Aug. 10, with the principal service taking place at an outdoor altar. During the service, the faithful heard a sermon emphasizing the Mother of God’s role as a powerful intercessor before God. The preacher encouraged pilgrims to follow the example of earlier generations by bringing their joys, sorrows, and needs before the Mother of God in prayer.

The main celebration concluded with a procession around the monastery church. The monastery’s superior thanked the clergy, pilgrims, local officials, and volunteers who helped organize the feast. Two women who have provided longstanding assistance to the monastery were also honored with the Order of St. Mary Magdalene.

This year’s celebration also highlighted the 1,400th anniversary of the establishment of the Akathist hymn to the Mother of God, which continues to be sung regularly before the Supraśl Icon.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal blocked recognition of foreign same-sex marriages.