Supraśl, Podlaskie Province, Poland, August 14, 2026
Photo: orthodox.pl
Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Annunciation Monastery in Supraśl, Poland, on August 9-10 to mark the feast of the Supraśl Icon of the Mother of God, one of the Polish Orthodox Church’s most celebrated feasts of the Theotokos.
Pilgrims came from across the region and the country, and this year included, for the first time, an organized group of pilgrims from Estonia. Many arrived through the traditional pilgrimages made on foot from Białystok or by kayak from Grodek, the Polish Church reports.
The celebrations opened with an All-Night Vigil led by His Eminence Archbishop Jakub of Białystok and Gdańsk. He was assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Jerzy of Wrocław and Szczecin, His Eminence Archbishop Grzegorz of Bielsk, His Grace Bishop Atanazy of Łódź and Poznań, His Grace Bishop Paweł of Hajnówka, His Grace Bishop Andrzej of Supraśl, and His Grace Bishop Daniel of Tartu from the Estonian Orthodox Church, along with numerous clergy from every diocese of the Polish Orthodox Church.
Photo: monaster-suprasl.pl
Services in the monastery’s churches continued through the night. After the prayer rule for Communion, an akathist to the Most Holy Mother of God was celebrated, led by Archbishop Grzegorz. Afterward, in the crypt where the late Archbishop Miron is buried, an akathist for the departed and a panikhida were read.
Three Divine Liturgies were celebrated on the feast day itself, with Archbishop Jakub leading the main Liturgy at the outdoor altar, assisted by the other hierarchs and a large gathering of clergy.
Following the Gospel reading at the main Liturgy, Archpriest Jan Fiedorczuk delivered the homily. He spoke about the Mother of God’s role as a special intercessor before the throne of God and highlighted the unceasing help she offers to everyone who turns to her in prayer.
After the Liturgy, a traditional procession circled the Church of the Annunciation. Archbishop Jakub then addressed the crowd, noting that while the monastery exists first for its monks, it remains open to pilgrims and to anyone in need. He thanked everyone who came, and singled out Bishop Andrzej of Supraśl for his work running the monastery and organizing the feast. Turning to the invited guests, he said their presence might look like simple participation in an event, but the time of the service could also be used for their own private prayer with God and His Most Pure Mother.
Photo: monaster-suprasl.pl
Bishop Andrzej, the monastery’s abbot, closed the celebrations by thanking Archbishop Jakub and everyone gathered, with particular thanks to the women who help the monastery organize its parish celebrations.
Bishop Andrzej also noted that this year marks 1,400 years since the Akathist to the Mother of God was composed—a hymn he said remains deeply rooted in Orthodox tradition as the most perfect form of prayer to the Mother of God, and one still sung every Wednesday in the monastery’s main church before the Supraśl Icon.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, and MeWe!
