On Sunday, December 10, the feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" was prayerfully celebrated in Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL. The Kursk Icon is a specially venerated icon for the entirety of the Orthodox Diaspora. Many generations of Orthodox Christians, as well as luminaries of Orthodoxy, such as Venerable Seraphim of Sarov and the Optina Elders, have prayed before this icon.

After the events of the revolution, many bishops, intellectuals, and laymen departed first for Europe and then for America. During the time, the Kursk Root Icon was the Protectress (or Hodegetria ‒ "Directress") of refugees and émigrés. And today, the Mother of God gathers Orthodox people together through her icon, helping them in their tribulations, difficult situations, and various life circumstances. Also of note is that the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai was the guardian of the Kursk Icon.

This momentous event was likewise triumphally celebrated on this day in Our Lady of Pochaev Church. Before Liturgy, a moleben and Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos was served. Many parishioners and guests of the church came to pray at Liturgy. After the service, parish rector Archimandrite Stefan (Khilchuk) delivered a sermon, in which he noted the special meaning of the Most Holy Theotokos in the work of every Christian’s salvation, as well as the special role of the Kursk Root Icon in the spiritual life of the Orthodox in America.

The divine services were adorned by the marvelous singing of the choir, under the direction of Hieromonk Arkadii (Polishchuk). Also serving at Liturgy was Deacon Alexander Kharitoniuk. The service concluded with a festa luncheon and fellowship.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!