« The miraculous Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" visited parishes of the Sourozh Diocese »
08-12-2025 
One of the most venerated icons of the Holy Mother of God in the Russian Orthodox Church, the miraculous Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign," was brought to parishes of the Sourozh Diocese.
This miraculous icon, which appeared near the town of Rylsk in the 13th century and was one of the most important relics of the Russian émigré community throughout the 20th century and today, was, by decision of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, visited several countries in Western Europe from October 13 to December 7, 2025.
With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the miraculous icon was brought to Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Dublin on November 24 for veneration. Archpriest Mikhail Nasonov, Dean of the Diocesan District of the Republic of Ireland, and clergy of the Irish Deanery celebrated a moleben with an akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos.
On December 2, the icon visited the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Oxford. Archpriest Stephen Platt, Dean of the Diocesan District of Central England, celebrated the moleben with an akathist together with a large congregation of parishioners.
On December 7, the final day of the icon's stay in the British Isles, the relic was brought to Dormition Cathedral in London. Great Vespers with an akathist to the Mother of God was celebrated in the main diocesan church. The divine service was led by Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Secretary of the Diocese of Sourozh, assisted by clergy from Dormition Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. The service was conducted in Church Slavonic and English. A large number of faithful from London and the surrounding area venerated the miraculous icon.
Finally, Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko addressed the parishioners with a sermon. On behalf of His Grace, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Father Dimitry expressed his gratitude to Bishop Irenaeus of London and Western Europe and the ROCOR clergy who participated in the joint service, expressing his special thanks for organising the delivery of the miraculous icon to the parishes of the Sourozh Diocese and to the Dormition Cathedral in London.