International cross procession to Pochaev leaves Volyn Region
An international cross procession from Poland via Belarus, Volyn and Rovno Regions to Pochaev is to participate in festivities in honor of Pochaev Icon of the Theotokos.
On July 31, 2019, an international religious procession, which begins in Poland, passing through Belarus and Volyn and finishes in Pochaev, entered the city of Gorokhov in the south of the Volyn region. It is reported by Volyn Post with reference to church resources.
Pilgrims were received by the priests of the Gorokhov deanery of the UOC together with the residents of the city.
Recall that in the winter and spring of 2019, the three deaneries of the Gorokhov District of the Volyn Region were most affected by the raider attacks of the OCU, so this year the organization of the international Orthodox cross procession was not only a resonant event, but also a sign of unity in faith from Orthodox parishioners of neighboring countries.
Thanks to the priests, residents of this region and local authorities managed to provide accommodation and support to more than 1300 pilgrims from Poland, Belarus and neighboring areas of Volyn.
The next day, a conciliar international liturgy was held, which was performed by the clergy of the Volyn Eparchy of the UOC together with the clergy of the Polish and Belarusian Orthodox Churches. There was a conciliar prayer for peace in Ukraine and for the unity of Orthodox Christians; a lot of people were able to take the sacrament of the Holy Communion.
After a pit-stop in Gorokhov, having thanked local residents for their warm welcome, the believers continued their journey to the Holy Assumption Pochaev Lavra.
Recall that the international procession from Poland to Pochaev in the Ternopol region has taken place for the seventh time.