After the solemn welcome of the icon at Saint Alexius Cathedral in Samarkand, Metropolitan Vikenty, concelebrating with the guests and the clergy of the Samarkand deanery, celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
After the Liturgy a moleben was served before the holy icon, and the archpastors then addressed the faithful with words of instruction. Metropolitan Vikenty congratulated the people of Samarkand on a great joy: the arrival of the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign”.
“This is the most ancient holy icon of our Russian Orthodox Church. It was glorified 700 years ago in a forest near Kursk. From the place where it was found a spring of water began to flow, which still exists and with its life-giving water heals many infirmities of soul and body. And from that time many miracles have taken place through the icon. People received healing and consolation from it, for thousands upon thousands of people, perhaps even millions, have come to it over these 700 years. The Mother of God heard their prayers, heeded their sighs and helped people to be delivered from troubles and misfortunes.
The Most Holy Theotokos is our Mother, she is the Heavenly Protectress of the whole Christian race. She cares for us as for her own children. She has shown her motherly love for us by coming to you, by visiting the city of Samarkand, to honour you, to bless you, to strengthen you in faith and piety, so that you do not lose heart or despair because you live far away: you are always within the sight of the Most Holy Theotokos. She knows your sighs, the longings and wishes of your hearts. That is why she has come to you: to hear your sighs and to fulfil your wishes.
But what is required of you who live here? That you strengthen your Christian, Orthodox life, so that the number of believers grows. With the help of God and the Mother of God you need to enlighten with the light of the Gospel teaching those who are not yet churched, so that they become more active in the life of the Church. Therefore we must think not only of ourselves but also of our brothers and sisters, so that they too take part in these church events.”
In his address Metropolitan Vikenty also thanked Bishop Nicholas and the clergy of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand for the labours they undertook in bringing the wonderworking icon to the Central Asian Metropolitan District.
