February 29, 2012
The Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God visited parishes and homes of the faithful in the Greater New York Area

The Nativity of the Holy Mother of God parish at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in the small town of Mahopac, NY was blessed by a multi-day visit by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, the Wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. On Saturday, February 11, Protodeacon Nicholas Olhovsky arrived with the holy Icon for the Vigil service. Sunday morning brought over 130 parishioners and guests to pray before the holy Icon and to attend Liturgy. That morning 2,000 small paper icons with the image of the icon were blessed for distribution to the faithful. The majestic Liturgy was celebrated by rector Archpriest Victor Tseshkovsky, co-served by Deacons Sergei Mikhailoff (cleric of Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY) and parish cleric George Temidis. After Mahopac’s traditional luncheon, everyone returned to the church for a very prayerful moleben and akathist to the Mother of God before the holy Icon. People lined up to slowly and prayerfully venerate the Kursk Root Icon, taking time to pray individually, even though the Icon was already awaited in people’s homes. For the journey to visit the ailing and to bless homes, the Icon was accompanied by Fr. Victor, Fr. George, and several parishioners, stopping at homes in Mahopac, Ossining, Mount Kisco, and more.

On Monday, February 13, the holy Icon visited St. Nicholas Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. An akathist was served by the rector, Archpriest Alexander Donchenko. This was only the second visit of the holy Icon in the history of this small parish. Homes were visited throughout this parish’s wide area, including Poughkeepsie and New Paltz.

The All-Night Vigil for the Meeting of the Lord on Tuesday evening brought over 50 faithful. The Liturgy was served by Fr. Victor with Fr. George, and after the luncheon, the holy Icon was again awaited in homes, this time to the east – in Connecticut. Overall, in these days, the holy Icon visited approximately 40 homes and families of parishioners.

On Thursday morning, the Kursk Root Icon left the New Kursk Root Hermitage, the first home of the icon on American soil, established by Bishop Seraphim (Ivanov) in 1950.

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