Traditional procession with Cross of the Lord held in Rakhiv

Bishop Mark leads the procession in Rakhiv. Photo: Khust Eparchy

On August 14, 2026, the traditional religious procession was held in the city of Rakhiv on the feast of the Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. With the blessing of Metropolitan Mark of Khust and Vynohradiv, the procession was led by Bishop Mark of Rakhiv, vicar of the Khust Eparchy.

The Khust Eparchy recalled that the tradition of holding processions on this day dates back to ancient Constantinople. In August, when the city suffered from epidemics, a portion of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord was brought out from the imperial treasury and carried through the streets as prayers were offered for God’s protection and mercy.

Following this tradition, the faithful of Rakhiv processed through the streets of the city carrying the Cross of the Lord and offering prayers for peace and the salvation of the people.

After the procession, Bishop Mark celebrated a memorial litany for fallen soldiers at the city memorial avenue. Prayers were also offered for the Ukrainian state and its defenders.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the traditional procession to Pochaiv had been canceled in the Vinnytsia Eparchy.

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