The Ascent of the Holy Icon of the Dormition of the Virgin to the Metochi of Gethsemanetranslated

In a gloomy atmosphere, on the morning of Saturday September 5, 2026 (August 23 according to the old calendar), the day of the Presentation of the Dormition of the Virgin, clergy and people accompanied the Holy Icon of the Dormition of the Virgin during its ascent from the Theotokos Memorial of Gethsemane to its chapel-Metochi opposite the Church of the Resurrection. The litany began after the Divine Liturgy at the Mother of God Memorial. At the head of the litany, holding the icon on his chest, was the Abbot of Gethsemane, His Eminence Metropolitan of Hellenoupolis Mr. Joachim. They were followed by priests, monks, nuns and pilgrims, who chanted the hymns of the fifteenth of August, among others "In the birth of the virgin you preserved" and "Apostles from the end".

During the litany, prayers were said in front of the Holy Monasteries of the First Martyr Stephen, the Holy Theofathers Joachim and Anne, Saint Nicodemus, the hidden disciple of the Lord, Praetorium, Saint Charalambous and Our Lady of Seidanaia. Along the streets, which were decorated with flowers, local believers and pilgrims had gathered, who asked to worship the image and receive help...