DIOCESE OF GERMANY: September 13, 2013
The Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign” Arrives in the German Diocese

On Friday, September 13, 2013 , the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign,” accompanied by its caretaker, Priest Nicholas Olhovsky, arrived on the territory of the German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. A moleben and akathist to the Most-Holy Mother of God is scheduled that evening in the Cathedral of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Munich.

On Saturday evening, September 14 , the icon will travel for the first time to Voronezh, Russia, accompanied also by His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany, who will head a delegation of the Russian Church Abroad. At approximately 11 pm , the Kursk-Root Icon will receive a ceremonious welcome at Annunciation Cathedral. The doors of the church will remain open twenty-four hours a day during the visit.

On Monday morning, September 16 , the holy icon will depart for the Belgorod Metropoliate, and then on to the Kursk Metropoliate.

It is expected that the Icon, the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, will spend one day in Munich on its return trip from Russia, on Thursday, October 3, 2013 , at St Job of Pochaev Monastery.

The Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign” has visited the parishes of the German Diocese many times before. Its parishioners will have a more peaceful time venerating the miraculous icon there than in Russia, where thousands of believers spend many hours in long lines to venerate it.