Representation of the Orthodox Church in America
to the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate

News | 27-06-10 Former Guardian of the Miraculous Tikhivin Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos visits St Catherine the Great Martyr Church

On Sunday, June 27, 2010, Archimandrite Zacchaeus, Dean, together with the clergy and parishioners of St Catherine the Great Martyr Church welcomed into their midst Archpriest Sergei Garklavs, the former guardian of the miraculous Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, “Our Lady of Tikhvin” and Dean Emeritus of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago.

Following the Divine Liturgy, which was led by Archimandrite Zacchaeus and concelebrated by Archpriests Sergei Garklavs and Vadim Leonov, visiting Igumen Nikodim and Priest John Kechkin with Deacon Gleb Kraezhevskykh assisting, the guest was introduced to the faithful gathered in the church. In his words of introduction, Father Zacchaeus spoke of the labors of love for the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary that Father Sergei and the entire Garklavs family endured in preserving the Holy Tikhvin Icon safe and unharmed for so many years until she returned to her native Russia. Also, Father Zacchaeus invited the honored guest to share some information about the icon and how it related to his life, which Father Sergei did with enthusiasm and gratitude.

As the faithful of the parish came forward to venerate the holy cross, each received a small pamphlet containing two images of the Tikhvin icon along with a short history and a pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary from the icon’s former guardian in prayerful remembrance of his visit to St Catherine the Great Martyr Church.