With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God – spent a week and a half visitng Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY from August 9-22.

The icon arrived in time for the services of Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, thus blessing the parish and faithful with the beginning of the Dormition Fast. The icon was present at all of the services at the parish during this time, with a moleben served on Sunday, August 16 and the services for Transfiguration; the culmination of the icon’s visit was a moleben and akathist served before it on Thursday, August 20, for the icon.

The church was filled with parishioners and pilgrims at all the services, coming to not only partake of the feasts, but also to venerate the holy icon. On the August 20, despite inclement weather, the church was filled for the akathist with worshippers throughout the tri-state area, who wished to bow down and pray before the Mother of God, asking for spiritual help and support from our Heavenly Mediatress.

During the visit, the icon visited over 40 homes and nursing homes through the area of New York and New Jersey, each time bringing spiritual joy to all who greeted her. Of note, many sensed a beautiful fragrance emanating from the icon, blessing their homes. The icon’s presence at everyone’s homes and in church was like a distant relative coming for a long-awaited visit, met with joy at her presence and with sadness when time came to part with her. Many shared stories with one another about what the icon meant to them, and how she has rendered aid, comfort and support in their lives.

The parish extended their profound thanks to His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, for this deep blessing to the parish community.

O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!