Miscellaneous
What ancient tradition did the Perm Diocese revive to counter drone attacks?
After several drone strikes in Perm, the local diocese toured the icon of the Mother of God of Perm through the city and held prayers for safety.
On May 12, priests from the local diocese carried the icon of the Mother of God of Perm through the city after several drone strikes were reported in Perm.
The route included stops at the chapel in the Bannaya Gora cemetery, the Perm hydroelectric power station, and the cross at the entrance to the Kirovsky district, where prayers were said for the city’s safety.
Diocese explanation for the service
“Our city has recently seen several drone strikes, and to alleviate this scourge, the head of the Perm Metropolitanate held a prayer service. Why the Perm Icon of the Mother of God? Because it’s a locally venerated icon, connected to our region, and its veneration was recently restored,” the diocese explained.
The Perm Diocese press service said, “The ancient tradition of enclosing holy relics around cities and villages occurs during periods of complex historical events, significant social upheavals, epidemics, and foreign invasions.” It added, “History knows of many cases when, through the prayers of believers, during the bringing of especially revered relics, and religious processions, the Lord sent His mercy and help, delivering from enemy invasions, misfortunes, and epidemics.”
Previous procession in Perm
A similar procession was last held in Perm during the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, the text said, it seemed even more ridiculous because of the nature of the “scourge”.
