Photographer Vladimir Orlov participated in the two-day celebrations on mount Athos in honor of St Athanasius the Athonite, founder of the Great Lavra. On the first day of the festivities a prayer service was held before the miraculous icon of the Mother of God Koukouzelissa, along with a cross procession (Православие.Ru published a photogallery on this annual even a year ago). On the second day, on 4/17 5/18 July, there was a solemn all-night vigil, a blessing of the water and the distribution of koliva.