A traditional religious procession was held in Vitebsk in honour of the Orthodox feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Parishioners of the Holy George Church and other Vitebsk churches of the regional centre walked from Chernyakhovsky Avenue across Victory Square along Lenin Street, then across Freedom Square along Suvorov Street, turned onto Krylov Street and approached the Holy Assumption Cathedral.
More and more participants joined the procession along the way. At the walls of Vitebsk's main Orthodox church, Archbishop Dimitry of Vitebsk and Orsha, accompanied by clergy, performed a festive prayer service. The service was attended by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin, the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Vladimir Terentyev, the First Deputy Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Anatoly Linevich, and representatives of the regional and city executive committees.
Alexander Subbotin congratulated the parishioners and clergy on the bright holiday.
“Today we have another opportunity to thank our intercessor, the Mother of God, for her help and guidance. I wish everyone all the best, may all your plans come to fruition, and may only goodness and the brightest things accompany you in life,” the head of the region addressed the attendees.
Archbishop Dimitry presented Alexander Subbotin with an icon of the Mother of God as a gift.
The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the twelve major feasts of the Russian Orthodox Church, established in memory of the passing of the Mother of God. Believers consider this feast a second Easter, commemorating the miraculous ascension of the Theotokos on this day.
It was traditionally believed that the Dormition marked the end of the summer harvest. It was customary to go to church and consecrate bread. From this day on, engagements could be made to celebrate weddings in the autumn. It was also believed that early Indian summer began on August 28th. According to popular belief, the weather on the Dormition foretold the weather for the autumn. Good weather promised a warm winter and a fruitful year.
A general sense of joy was felt among the pilgrims, including many young people and children. People carried flowers to the icon of the Mother of God with faith and hope.