The International Pilgrimage Procession of Our Lady Odigetria at the Russia-Belarus bordertranslated

The 22nd International Pilgrimage Procession of Our Lady of Smolensk in honor of the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Smolensk, which started on August 6 from Vitebsk to Smolensk, met at the border between Russia and Belarus. This footpath covers a distance of approximately 120–130 kilometers and usually takes 5 days. It takes place in early August and is attended by numerous pilgrims from Russia and Belarus.

The Metropolitan of Smolensk and Dorogombuz Mr. Isidoros, the Archbishop of Vitebsk and Orsha Mr. Dimitrios, politicians and clergy of the Bishoprics of Smolensk and Vitebsk arrived to meet the pilgrims at the border of the two states.

The Metropolitan of Smolensk and Dorogobuz Mr. Isidoros addressed a greeting saying among other things that "We are all witnesses that God's help and blessing are present in our procession, this holy procession that unites the peoples of our countries, uniting faithful hearts, testifying that in God we are all one, that God unites the nations. God gives us strength to resist evil, the strength to complete our human and Christian struggle".

Photos: Metropolis of Smolensk…