Procession with the miracle-working icon of “Holy Virgin Troerouchitsa” from Troyan monastery (pictures)

The Assumption of Mary is the holiday of the patron saint of Troyan monastery in Northern Bulgaria and Bachkovo monastery in Southern Bulgaria. Processions with the icon of the Mother of God will take place in many places.

Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks the Assumption of Mary

Laity from all over the country took part in the solemn procession with the miracle-working icon of “Holy Virgin Troerouchitsa” (three-handed Holy Mother) to the "Mound", where it is believed that it performed her first miracle for the faithful.

The celebration of the monastery's feast day began with a festive evening service yesterday, with the rite of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, through which the symbolic rite of burial of the shroud of the Mother of God is performed.

As part of the tradition, the solemn procession with the miracle-working icon today was preceded by a festal Matins and an Archdiocesan Holy Liturgy. The temple feast was also honoured by caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev. The service was held in the courtyard of the holy monastery, where a procession with the icon started.

Believers, monks and representatives of the authorities walked together to the area "The Mound", which is located not far from the Troyan monastery. Once again, the members of the local branch of the National Society "Tradition" had the honour of carrying the icon. According to a tradition preserved by the monastery brotherhood, it was there that the first miracle of the icon was performed.

According to the legend, it originated in the Mount Athos and was carried by a monk from Mount Athos to Wallachia. He spent some time in prayers with a pious hermit living in those areas. Subsequently, whenever he wanted to continue on his way, an accident occurred which prevented him. He took this as a sign that the icon did not want to leave the Trojan region and left it to the hermit.

Later, a small wooden church was built on the site, which eventually grew to become the third largest monastery in Bulgaria - Troyan Monastery “Holy Mother's Assumption”

Images by BTA

The Troyan monastery is expected to receive 1.35 million BGN from the government for the renovation of the western wing of the monastery. This became clear from the words of the abbot of the monastery Bishop Sionius of Velich. He expressed hope that in the future the monastery will receive the necessary support. According to him, the west wing is one of the oldest parts of the monastery, which needs urgent repair.

Tomorrow, a Vespers and a Custor's Memorial Service will be celebrated at the monastery - a prayerful commemoration for all the deceased abbots, brothers and benefactors of the holy monastery.

Source: BTA