In keeping with recently established tradition, the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God visited Washington, DC over the Thanksgiving holiday (November 28) and remained with the community until Monday, December 9.

Throughout this whole period, the Protectress of the Russia Diaspora was present at the divine services in St. John the Baptist Cathedral and other local parishes and was brought to the homes of ailing parishioners. At all of the services in St. John the Baptist parish, the church was filled to capacity with worshippers, who wished to venerate the great sacred image. The presence of the icon in the cathedral inspired hundreds of people to be cleansed of their sins in the sacraments of repentance and Holy Communion.

The Kursk Icon was returned to the Synod of Bishops in New York City on Tuesday, December 9 – the eve of her feast day and the beginning of the work of the Synod of Bishops. Parishioners of the cathedral and other ROCOR churches in the Greater Washington area were exceptionally grateful to our Primate and the ruling bishop of our diocese, Metropolitan Nicholas, for his trust and the great honor to host the icon over the course of an entire week.

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One week later, on Sunday, December 15, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. John the Baptist Cathedral. That day, instead of the usual two liturgies, one combined, bilingual service was celebrated. A multitude of worshippers communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. Upon conclusion of the service, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the parish, diocesan gramotas were presented to 15 parishioners, who had provided exceptional labors unto the glory of God.