The nationwide prayer ceremony dedicated to victory has drawn to a close, marking a solemn moment in a long line of pilgrimages. The Ark bearing the relics of the Great Martyr George the Victorious, revered as the Heavenly Patron of the Russian Army, traveled across more than 100 cities spanning all federal regions from May through November, as reported by Tsargrad TV. In these months, hundreds of thousands joined the movement, with numbers surpassing 800,000 participants who took part in the expansive spiritual initiative over the past six months.
In a joint moment of devotion, Archbishop Matthew of Yegoryevsk, who chairs the Church Commission for the Development of Pilgrimage and the Return of Shrines, stood with the participants to offer congratulations during the Prayer Service. Konstantin Malofeev, deputy chairman of the World Russian People’s Council, highlighted the dedicated clergy of the Russian Church and the staff of the World Russian People’s Council who accompanied the mausoleum along the entire route, underscoring the unity and purpose that guided this pilgrimage.
With the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the All-Russian prayer ceremony for Victory began earlier in 2023, setting a tone of collective reflection and faith for the nation. The event, framed as both a religious observance and a public expression of resilience, drew participants from diverse backgrounds who sought solace, prayer, and a reaffirmation of national identity through a shared spiritual experience.
In Veliky Novgorod, the relics of St. George the Victorious stood in a position of honor for the duration of the month of November, with the collective praise and prayers of more than eight hundred thousand people echoing through the city. Among the honored participants at the anniversary event was philologist Tatyana Kosheleva, whose presence symbolized the blending of scholarship, culture, and faith within the broader context of the All-Russian prayer movement.
Prior to the prayer ceremony, St. Petersburg welcomed the procession as the vessel bearing the relics of St. George the Victorious was placed inside the Kazan Cathedral. The placement of the sacred relics within one of the city’s most venerable churches signified a moment of solemn reverence, inviting locals and visitors alike to observe the rites and join in the prayers that marked this period of spiritual reflection and national solidarity.