Pilgrim walking to Pochaiv Lavra: Cross Procession goes – hell trembles

Cross Procession to Pochaiv on August 22, 2024. Photo: UOJ

On August 19, 2024, several thousand believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church began their Cross Procession from Kamianets-Podilskyi to the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra.

For over 200 years, Orthodox Christians from all over Ukraine and other countries of Europe and the world have been coming to Kamianets-Podilskyi to start their pilgrimage to the Pochaiv Monastery. Over the course of a week, believers walk 250 kilometers to the Pochaiv Lavra.

As noted by the diocese, during this short period, each processionist has the opportunity to strengthen both body and soul to some extent, learn to sympathize with others, humble themselves, endure hardships, and show Christian love.

Anastasia, a participant in the pilgrimage, shared that she had been anticipating this Cross Procession as a second Easter.

"We all await Easter, and we understand that if the Holy Fire descends, it means we will live. The same goes for the Cross Procession – if it continues, if people keep praying, then we will hold on. We are sustained by the prayers of our parishioners, who sacrifice their time, health, and everything for the sake of peace in Ukraine. We pray for this, for the military, and for all those in need of prayer," she shared.

Commenting on the situation surrounding the law banning the UOC, the believer said, "The Cross Procession marches – hell trembles. Therefore, we will overcome all obstacles. We have nothing to fear; just as we have been going to church, we will continue to do so, and Cross Processions will also continue. There are many of us – millions of Orthodox people. It is impossible to destroy the largest denomination. People will sacrifice everything for their faith. We hope that the Lord and the Mother of God will not abandon anyone."

As previously reported, a Cross Procession with prayers for peace in Ukraine is taking place in the Kamyanske Eparchy of the UOC.

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