Procession with the Barkolabovskaya Icon of the Mother of Godtranslated

From August 3 to 5, 2026, as part of the interaction between the border service authorities of the Republic of Belarus and the Belarusian Orthodox Church, a procession with the miraculous Barkolabov Icon of the Mother of God took place.

On August 5, the shrine was solemnly welcomed at the Loev border outpost. Before the miraculous image, a prayer service for peace and prosperity was performed, which was led by the chairman of the department for interaction with the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies of the Gomel diocese, Archpriest Igor Olshanov.

At the end of the prayer service, the clergyman addressed the border guards with parting words. Archpriest Igor noted the importance of spiritual support for military personnel performing their duty to protect the state border, and wished them strength of spirit, unity and God's help in their service.

The Barkolabovskaya Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered shrines in eastern Belarus. The miraculous image resides in the Holy Ascension convent in the village of Barkolabovo, Bykhovsky district.

According to legend, in 1659 the icon was transported by Prince John Pozharsky. When the convoy approached the monastery, the horses stopped and did not move further. Seeing this as an indication from the Most Holy...