Believers from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church have begun a multi-day religious procession to the Pochaiv Lavra

A traditional religious procession of believers from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church began in Kovel, Volyn Oblast, with participants heading toward the Pochaiv Lavra of the Dormition. The pilgrimage is timed to coincide with the upcoming celebration of the feast day of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God, which will take place on August 5.

According to Ukrinform, several thousand believers have already left Kovel and are making their way toward Volodymyr. Upon arriving in the city, the pilgrims will continue their journey to the holy monastery. Footage from the scene shows columns of people marching in procession with prayers and church relics.

The tradition of holding religious processions to Pochaiv in the run-up to the August celebrations has existed in Ukraine for many years. Every year, thousands of Orthodox Christians arrive at the monastery—both as part of organized groups and on their own—to venerate the miraculous icon and participate in communal prayer.

It is worth noting that this pilgrimage is taking place against the backdrop of a complex situation surrounding the monastery: Previously, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (GESS) had set a 30-day deadline for the Pochaiv Lavra to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate.