The procession of the Icon of the Theotokos to Gethsemane

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, 25 August 2026, the solemn procession of the Icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos was observed. The holy icon was borne from its keeping place at the Metochion of Gethsemane, opposite the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, to the Shrine of the Tomb of the Mother of God in Gethsemane.

The Hegumen of Gethsemane, Metropolitan Joachim of Helenoupolis, was leading the Procession carrying the icon upon his breast. He was accompanied by the Elder Dragoman, Archimandrite Matthew, Metropolitan Makarios of Ptolemaida, Archbishop Demetrios of Lydda, and other Hierarchs, Holy Sepulchre Hieromonks, Priests, as well as representatives from the Cathedral of Saint James the Brother of the Lord and representatives from other communities of the Patriarchate’s flock.

The Holy Icon was preceded by nuns, monks, and priests lining the right and left of the Via Dolorosa. Crowds of people venerated the icon and sought the help of the Most Holy Theotokos whilst chanting the hymns of the Feast of the Dormition.

Along the icon’s path, supplications were held at the Holy Monastery of Saint Alexander Nevsky, Saint Charalambos, the Praetorium, Saint Nicodemus, the Holy…