On Wednesday, July 6, on the occasion of the second feast of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, a procession was held around Holy Dormition Convent Novo-Diveevo in Nanuet, NY. Upon completion of the Divine Liturgy, it was led by the dean of the convent’s St. Seraphim Cathedral Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, co-served by Archpriest George Zelenin (attached to the cathedral). Convent cleric Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky sang with the parish choir led by director Matushka Maria Fedorowski.

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered icons in Russia. Located in the convent’s cathedral is a copy of the icon that is especially dear to the sisters and parishioners of Novo-Diveevo, as it was in the cell of the great Optina Elders. Father Adrian Rymarenko (founder of the monastery of Novo-Diveevo and later Archbishop Andrei of Rockland), received it from Elder Nektarios, the last of the Optina Elders.

On the occasion of the icon’s feast, with the founding of the convent of Novo-Diveevo, Fr. Adrian introduced the custom of holding a procession with the wonderworking icon around the entire territory of the convent. This tradition continues to this day.

The icon is celebrated three times a year: June 3, July 6, and September 8. By tradition, the procession happens on one of those days, depending on the weather. This year, June 3 was a rainy day, and the procession was thus postponed until July 6.