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| Church in honor of God's Archangel Michael |
In the middle of August our diocese is expecting festivities of all-Russian importance: the celebration of the 300th anniversary from the transfer of relics of St. Simeon from Merkushino village to the town of Verkhoturye, and the 400th anniversary of the oldest St. Nicholas men's monastery of Verkhoturye in Ural. The arrival of several hierarchs and representatives of the federal and district authorities are expected at the celebration. In those days the diocese is preparing to receive up to 7 thousand pilgrims. The celebrations will include festive church services at St. Nicholas monastery and at the St. Simeon's metochion of our abode in Merkushino village; the consecration of the restored church in honor of God's Archangel Michael in Merkushino where St. Simeon liked to pray.
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| By the veneration Cross |
Crowning the entire celebration will be a solemn procession with the relics of St. Simeon and blessed Kosma from Merkushino to Verkhoturye -- the very road taken 300 years ago. At this point the preparation for the reception of pilgrims is taking place on the way from Merkushino to Verkhoturye. There is more work to do than ever.
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| In Kostylevo at the one of the stations of the cross procession |
In Verkhoturye a campground is being designed from where the buses
with pilgrims will depart in the morning of August 11th to Merkushino.
Works are also going on at the veneration Cross where one of the stops of
the cross procession is to be made. Planting of greenery is being done in
Kostylevo. In Merkushino the territory by the church of Archangel
Michael is getting equipped with amenities. Almost finished is the
preparation for stationing of pilgrims and guests.
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| At the pilgrims' housing it is clean and bright |
Sisters express their deep gratitude to everyone who came to our help and participates in the preparation for the festivities. For some it is financial help; others help with their labor, yet others - through their prayers. May the Lord reward everyone who is laboring for the glory of His name!