With the blessings of Their Eminences Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, and Daniel, Archbishop of Chicago & the Midwest (OCA), and at the invitation of the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV, the Chicago-Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, of Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Diocese of the Midwest, visited the monastery. The holy icon traveled for the feast of the Tikhvin Icon, celebrated on July 9.
The holy icon arrived at the monastery on Tuesday evening, July 8, and was greeted by Abbot Gabriel (Hooten) and the brotherhood of the monastery. Priest Alexander Koranda (dean of Holy Trinity OCA Cathedral in Chicago, IL) was warmly welcomed by the brotherhood. All Night Vigil for the feast was served with the singing of the Akathist.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday, July 9, after which a moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos was served. Fr. Alexander was asked to offer a few words, and extended the greetings and blessings of Archbishop Daniel. Fr. Alexander also noted that this visit was requested over a year ago by Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon (Voepel), the late abbot of Holy Cross Monastery. The archbishop blessed the visit earlier in the year and, since that time, Fr. Panteleimon reposed in the Lord, but still provided for his communication in arranging for this visitation of the Mother of God in his absence.
The visitation at the monastery ended on Thursday, July 10, after Divine Liturgy.
