Thousands of believers took part in the annual Velikoretsky procession from June 3 to 8 to venerate an icon of St. Nicholas, said to have been discovered on the banks of the Velikaya River in the 14th century. The route covers a total of 150 kilometers from Kirov to the village of Velikoretskoye and back. At least 17,000 pilgrims, loaded with backpacks and sometimes barefoot, walked in the procession, one of the largest pilgrimages in Russia.
Thousands Of Russian Orthodox Christians Take Part In Five-Day Pilgrimage
- By RFE/RL
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Pilgrims take part in the Velikoretsky procession on June 5.
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An estimated 17,000 people walked the length of the 150-kilometer pilgrimage.
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An Orthodox priest leads pilgrims in the procession.
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Believers rest during the pilgrimage.
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A pilgrim reads from a book of psalms.
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The procession accompanies the icon of St. Nicholas on the way to the Velikaya River, where a farmer is said to have found it in 1383. Legend holds that the icon has the power to heal those who prayed to it.
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The procession took place annually from the mid-17th century until it was banned by the Soviet authorities. A few pilgrims continued to take part in the event despite the ban.
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Pilgrims take a break in the village of Gorokhovo.
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A clergyman sprinkles holy water on believers.
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Pilgrims set up tents by St. Nicholas' Church in the village of Velikoretskoye.
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Candles light up a shrine in the village of Velikoretskoye.
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A pilgrim crosses herself as she takes a dip in the Velikaya River.
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An Orthodox believer kisses an icon.
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Orthodox clergymen carry the venerated icon of St. Nicholas.
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Pilgrims hold crosses as they approach the Dormition Cathedral, part of the Trifonov Monastery, at the end of the procession.
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A pilgrim rests as the Velikoretsky procession returns to Kirov on June 8.
