Sunday of Orthodoxy Processions in Support of Serbian Church in Montenegro

Diocese of Western America – On Sunday, March 8th Orthodox faithful Serbian Orthodox Christians from throughout the Diocese of Western America gathered in their parishes to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on the First Sunday of Great Lent, also known as the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the day on which we commemorate the “Triumph of Orthodoxy”, the “restoration” of icons in the church and their use in Orthodox worship.

From His Grace Bishop Maxim’s Episcopal Message…

… our litiya in America this year will, in a symbolic and visible manner, be in support of our Church in Montenegro which has been stripped of its rights and whose sanctuaries are threatened with an unjust law. The sanctuaries which are protected by the Orthodox in Montenegro are places of blessing and salvation. Thus, our steps in a prayerful and conciliar litiya throughout America will be our joint walk with our brothers and sisters affected by the injustice and insensitivity of those in power.

At the conclusion of the service and following the reading of the proclamation, the faithful processed around their churches carrying their icons and singing the Troparion of the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

“We venerate Thy most Pure image, O Good One, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God.Of Thy good Will Thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and deliver Thy creatures from bondage to the enemy.Therefore with thankfulness we cry aloud to Thee, Thou hast filled all things with joy, O our Savior.For Thou came to save the world.”