Many-thousand Cross Procession for peace in Ukraine takes place in Odessa (PHOTO, VIDEO)

On July 12, the day of the celebration of miraculous Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God – Heavenly Patroness of the Black Sea Region, His Eminence Agafangel, Metropolitan of Odessa and Izmail, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Dormition Cathedral in Odessa, writes the eparchy’s site.

After the celebration of the divine service, according to tradition, the Cross Procession with Kasperov miraculous image of the Queen of Heaven took place from the Holy Assumption Cathedral to the Transfiguration Cathedral of Odessa, in which many thousands of believers participated.

On the square in front of the cathedral a festive moleben was performed, during which a host of archpastors, led by His Eminence Agafangel, prayed for peace in Ukraine and the prosperity of Odessa.

In his archpastoral speech, Metropolitan Agafangel cordially congratulated everyone on this great holiday, stressing that " on this day the grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us here, at the walls of the once-destroyed by God-fighters, and now revived cathedral, which has become a symbol of the spiritual revival of our state and our region, so that with one mouth and with one heart we praise and exalt the Most Honorable Cherub and the Glorious without comparison Seraphim, the Queen of Heaven in her miraculous Kasperov image.

In Odessa, it became a tradition to thank the Intercession of Heaven, devoting Her Acathistos and cross processions. And it was St. Innocent who wrote the akathist, dedicated to the Protection of the Mother of God. Every Friday morning we gather in the Holy Dormition Cathedral to follow the saint and sing "rejoice our joy, cover us from all evil with your honest omophorion," said Vladyka.

Then a festive concert was given, in which the choir collectives of Odessa eparchy performed spiritual hymns.

Also, with the blessing of Metropolitan Agafangel, a festive meal was organized for all believers, and Odessa Regional Peace Council supplied several thousand bottles of drinking water, which was very useful, because on that day the temperature was above 30 degrees and the sun was shining brightly.