The Procession of the Icon of the Theotokos to Gethsemane
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, 25 August 2026, the solemn procession of the Icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos was observed. The holy icon was borne from its keeping place at the Metochion of Gethsemane, opposite the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to the Shrine of the Tomb of the Mother of God in Gethsemane.
The Hegumen of Gethsemane, His Eminence Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis, was leading the Procession carrying the icon upon his breast. He was accompanied by the Elder Dragoman, Archimandrite Matthew, His Eminence Metropolitan Makarios of Ptolemaida, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, and other Hierarchs, Holy Sepulchre Hieromonks, Priests, as well as representatives from the Cathedral of Saint James the Brother of the Lord and representatives from other communities of the Patriarchate’s flock.
The Holy Icon was preceded by nuns, monks, and priests lining the right and left of the Via Dolorosa. Crowds of people venerated the icon and sought the help of the Most Holy Theotokos whilst chanting the hymns of the Feast of the Dormition.
Along the path of the icon, supplications were held at the Holy Monastery of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Saint Charalambos, the Praetorium, Saint Nicodemus, the Holy Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and Saint Stephen the Protomartyr and Archdeacon.
Upon arrival at Gethsemane, the holy icon was brought down the steps of the Shrine Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos and placed behind the Tomb of the Mother of God in the area of the “Platytera”, awaiting the service of the Lamentations on the Eve of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
A Divine Liturgy followed, in which crowds of the faithful took part as they descended the steps of the Holy Church and lit candles, asking for the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos.
After the Dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, the active Hegumen, His Eminence Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis, offered refreshments.
Throughout the entire fortnight of August, the Holy Paraklesis (Supplication) was served in the chapel dedicated to the announcement of the Dormition of the Theotokos by the angel at the Holy Monastery of Little Galilee (Viri Galilaei). In the morning, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Most Reverend Archbishop Theodosios of Sebasteia, concelebrated by the Archimandrites Ignatius, Dositheos, and Simeon, alongside Priest George, for the feast of the announcement of the Dormition of the Theotokos. The event was hosted by Abbess Nun Daniilia and attended by local faithful and pilgrims.
From the Secretariat-General
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