On August 10, 2018 the annual Sacred Procession from Novogrudok and Korelichi to St. Elisha of Lavrishevo Monastery began. it ends on 12 August. The procession of Orthodox believers and clergy started from the Church in Honor of the Icon of the Mother of God of Unexpected Joy in Novogrudok.

Traditionally, before the start of the procession, a worship service was held. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest Anatoly Gerasimuk, the Secretary of the diocese and the Dean of the Orthodox churches of Novogrudok district. The priests of Novogrudok, Dyatlovo and Slonim deaneries helped him and also participated in the Sacred procession.

After the service, a meal for pilgrims was organized on the territory of the church.

Then the XVIIth sacred procession of to St. Elisha of Lavrishevo Monastery started. Along Skaryna, Volchetsky, Sovetskaya streets, through Lenin’s square and May 1 street pilgrims came to a Wayside cross near Novogrudok.

A prayer, a short rest and then back on the road

On the first day, the pilgrims pass through the villages of Gorodechno Ispos, Suliatichi, Brolniki, Molnichi and agrotown of Negnevichi. At each wayside cross on the way of the procession there will be performed prayers. In the evening, in the Church in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Theotokos in Negnevichi a worship service will be held.

By Anastasia Petrova

Translated by Helen Chal