"Want to Glorify the Mother of God": Ekaterinburg Residents Explain Why They Participated in the Cross Procession on National Unity Daytranslated

On the Feast of the Kazan Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, a large cross procession took place in Ekaterinburg, which concluded with a prayer service at the Church on the Blood. Video survey as part of the practicum in the press service of the Ekaterinburg Diocese was prepared by journalism faculty students from Ural Federal University, Alisa Alekina and Angelika Korotayeva.

Participants and witnesses of the procession shared their reasons for joining the prayer march, the meaning of National Unity Day for them, their thoughts on the appearance of a mural dedicated to Emperor Nicholas II in the city, and why it is important to remember the last Russian emperor.

Responding to the question of why they decided to participate in the cross procession today, participants and residents said they wanted to glorify the Most Holy Theotokos and celebrate the liberation of Russia from Polish invaders.

– I want to glorify the Most Holy Mother of God by participating and celebrate the liberation of Russia from Polish invaders, – said one of the cross procession participants.

Residents and witnesses discussed the meaning of National Unity Day through the concepts of unity and shared faith.

– I think national unity is primarily manifested in the unity of the Russian people, in the fact that we all...