The miracle-working Kursk Root Icon was brought to the parish personally by His Eminence Archbishop George of Australia and New Zealand of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
Firefighters are working hard to prevent any damage to St. Ephraim Monastery, though the flames are already dangerously close.
Igumen Pitirim (Golikov) died at the age of 87 following a long illness on Sunday, August 11. He reposed the day after his name’s day—the feast of St. Pitirim of Tambov. He labored in monasticism for 51 years, and 47 years in the priesthood.
Suzdal, known as the pearl of Russia’s Golden Ring, is home to numerous ancient churches and monasteries and has largely preserved its 18th-century appearance.
The monks had to complete the service regardless of the shells flying at them, even if it meant their death. So they prayed like the first Christians in the catacombs as the tanks kept shelling the church.