On the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe (ROCOR) and His Grace Bishop Nektarije of London and Great Britain and Ireland, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God was solemnly received at the Church of Saint Prince Lazar – the Lazarica – in Birmingham.
The icon was brought into the church by Archpriest Paul Elliott (ROCOR), and the holy temple was filled with numerous faithful from Birmingham and the surrounding area who came to venerate this great holy relic and receive the blessing of the Most Holy Mother of God.
Following the solemn reception, an all-night vigil was served with harmonious Byzantine chant in English, according to the Athonite typikon.
The Divine Hierarchical Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Nektarije, concelebrated by Archpriest-Stavrophore Nenad Popović, Dean for Northern Britain and Ireland, and Archpriest Paul Elliott. A great number of the faithful partook of the Holy Mysteries, and the atmosphere was imbued with joy and gratitude for the abundant grace bestowed upon our community.
This solemn event is a great blessing for all Orthodox Christians in Great Britain, and especially for the Lazarica parish, which had the honour of hosting one of the most revered icons of the Orthodox Church.
