Irkutsk, Irkutsk Province, Russia, September 8, 2026
iemp.ru
More than 15,000 believers took part in a cross procession through Irkutsk carrying the relics of St. Spyridon of Tremythous and St. Innocent of Irkutsk, drawing crowds from across Siberia’s federal district.
The hand of St. Spyridon arrived in Russia last month and will remain in the country until September 20, as representatives of the Church of Greece bring the relic to 13 Russian cities. It was brought to Irkutsk on September 5, ahead of the procession, reports Patriarchia.ru.
His Eminence Metropolitan Maximilian of Irkutsk and Angarsk said shared prayer and participation in Church life inspire people toward good works, mutual support and service to their neighbors. The celebrations began with a Divine Liturgy held outdoors, during which the Irkutsk diocese was presented with a slipper belonging to St. Spyridon, brought from the Greek island of Corfu. The relic was presented by members of the Greek delegation and will be available for veneration at one of the city's churches. The Liturgy was followed by the cross procession, led by Metropolitan Maximilian.
iemp.ru
Also taking part were His Eminence Metropolitan Dimitry of Chita and Petrovsk-Zabaikalsky, His Grace Bishop Alexei of Sayansk and Nizhneudinsk, His Grace Bishop Konstantin of Bratsk and Ust-Ilimsk, His Grace Bishop Makary of Nerchinsk and Krasnokamensk, representatives of the Church of Greece, regional officials, Cossack groups, and local residents.
The Irkutsk Diocese says processions strengthen faith, help preserve Church traditions and serve as a visible sign of the spiritual unity of society.
At Speransky Square, the relics of St. Spyridon and St. Innocent of Irkutsk were opened for veneration by the thousands of pilgrims gathered there.
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