On Thursday, February 3rd, faithful of Christ the Saviour parish (Paramus NJ) and visiting pilgrims welcomed Archpriest Sergius Lukianov and his team as they presented the renowned wonder-working Kursk Root Icon: “Our Lady of The Sign.”  Found in 1295 near the ruins of the city of Kursk at the root of a tree (and known ever since as the Kursk Root Icon), the holy icon is known for countless miracles, healings and assistance in misfortunes.

His Grace, Bishop +Michael, along with the parish rector (Father David Vernak), assembled clergy and acolytes, received the holy icon from Father Sergius. The icon was processed to the center of the Church where Protodeacon Michael Sochka exclaimed,   “Master Bless!” as twelve Priests of the New Jersey Deanery surrounded Bishop Michael while he prayed that God would bless the occasion. An Akathist service to the Most-Holy Theotokos was chanted and read by the vested clergy. Responses were sung by a 15 member choir: “Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded,” and “Praised be God, Alleluia!”

Bishop +Michael preached the homily and Father Sergius gave an inspiring talk about the genesis and spiritual strength of the icon in the history of Russia. As the faithful venerated the blessed icon, the choir (under the direction of Theodora Gramkow) sang hymns from the Akathist and other hymns to the Theotokos.

Following the Akathist, the faithful of Christ the Saviour Church presented an agape meal for all in attendance. An inspiring slide presentation depicted the icon’s return to Russia (September 2009) where hundreds of thousands faithful venerated it, including President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin.

The parishioners and their guests experienced an uplifting spiritual encounter.  As someone said, “Surely God dwells here!” Another added, “God dwells here and His blessed Mother abides in our midst at all times as we sing with faith: O most Holy Theotokos, save us!”