On Tuesday, September 26, the eve of the great feast of the Exaltation of the Precious Wood of the Live-Giving Cross of the Lord, the delegation of the Russian Church Aboard led by His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, visited the Diocese of Shchigry with the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, currently visiting the Kursk Oblast.

Bishop Nicholas celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Diocesan Cathedral, co-served by Bishop Paisius of Shchigry & Manturovo and local and visiting clergy. A line stretching around the cathedral had already formed by the time of the icon’s arrival early in the morning. Upon completion of Liturgy, a moleben was served before the icon. Bishop Paisius then presented Bishop Nicholas with an icon of the Reigning Mother of God.

After the service, as the faithful venerated the icon, Bishop Paisus took Bishop Nicholas and the delegates on a tour of the newly constructed St. Vladimir Church and the future diocesan headquarters and hierarchal residence, located not far from Holy Trinity Cathedral and slated to be completed in November. At a luncheon together, Bishop Nicholas presented Bishop Paisus with a painting of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, which will adorn the new hierarchal residence.

That evening, the delegation returned to the Kursk Root Hermitage, where Bishop Nicholas performed the Rite of the Exaltation of the Cross at the All-Night Vigil.