Русская Версия

December 23, 2009
Charlotte, NC: The Kursk Root Icon visited the Church of the Reigning Mother of God

On Wednesday, December 23, the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" visited the Church of the Reigning Mother of God in Charlotte, NC, where a Divine Liturgy was served. Prior to the Liturgy, the faithful triumphantly greeted the icon with a procession, leading it from the parish house to the church. The Church is currently located in a former garage, which was recently remodeled to form a very cozy chapel. With God's help, parishioners hope to build a new church in the future, alongside the chapel. The Liturgy was celebrated by diocesan secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov, co-served by rector Priest Alexander Logunov and Archpriest Michael Varvarelis (rector of Holy Trinity Greek Cathedral in Charlotte). Also present in church was the latter's son, Priest Efstathios Varvarelis (cleric of the cathedral). A multitude of the faithful had gathered, and many had to stand outside the church, necessitating that the church doors be left open all service, despite the cold winter weather outside. Upon completion of the Liturgy, a luncheon was held in the parish house, which serves as home to a substantial Russian library, after which the Kursk photomontage was presented in the church. Parishioners lovingly gathered to see the icon off, venerating it until the last minute, even as Fr. Serge took it into the car. At the request of Fr. Michael, the icon was taken after the service to a local hospital, where the 21-year old daughter of a local Greek couple is lying in critical condition after a stroke. We ask everyone to pray for the health of the ailing handmaiden of God Sophia and her relatives. O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese