Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
2 Aug 07: Worshipers of St. Nicholas Church of Christchurch welcome the wonderworking Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God
Our hearts filled with joy as the 13th century Icon of Our Lady of Kursk arrived here in Christchurch on Tuesday 17th July. Rev. Father Vladimir Boikov was the bearer of this long awaited Holy Image. People came from near and far to venerate our Blessed Holy Mother of God. Our hearts rejoiced and our souls filled with Her Grace as the Akathist was sung in our small church packed with worshippers. The following two days some twenty families welcomed the Icon into their homes.
Despite the winter cold and rain, once again the church was filled with worshippers on Thursday evening Vespers and Akathist. This service was attended not only by the Greek, Serbian and Rumanian Orthodox but many non-Orthodox English speaking people, including clergy representatives from Anglican and Catholic churches.
On Friday The Divine iturgy was well attended by families many of whom received Holy Communion. After the service everyone was invited to our ‘trapeza’ where the Sisterhood had prepared a delicious light lunch.
With sadness we bid our much loved Guest of Honour farewell as She departed for Wellington to bestow her Blessings on those eagerly awaiting her arrival.
