WAYNE, WV [DOM] – With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, and at the invitation of the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery, the Chicago-Tikhvin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, of Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Diocese of the Midwest, made a visitation to the Holy Cross Monastery, Wayne, WV. The Holy Icon traveled for the feast of the Tikhvin Icon (Old Style) celebrated on July 9th.
The Holy Icon arrived at the monastery on Tuesday evening, July 8, and was greeted by the Igumen Gabriel and the brotherhood of the monastery. Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean and Reader Justinian Tatooles, traveled with the icon and were warmly welcomed by the brotherhood. The All Night Vigil for the feast was served with the singing of the Akathist.
Divine Liturgy was held on Wednesday, July 9, and a moleben to the Mother God was served afterwards. Fr. Alexander was asked to offered a few words and extended the greetings and blessings of Archbishop Daniel. Fr. Alexander also noted that this visit was requested over a year ago by Schema Archimandrite Panteleimon (Voepel), the late Abbot of Holy Cross Russian Orthodox Monastery. The Archbishop blessed the visit earlier in the year and since that time, Fr. Panteleimon reposed in the Lord, but still provided for his communication in arranging for this visitation of the Mother of God in his absence.
The visitation at the monastery will end on Thursday, July 10, after Divine Liturgy. The Chicago Tikhvin Icon will return to the Cathedral and be available for veneration this weekend.
