Dormition of the Theotokos in Wojnowo

Polish Orthodox Church
Anna Choruży
31.08.2011

As every year, 27-28 August, a female monastery in Wojnowo celebrated the feast of Dormition of the Theotokos. This is the main feast of the monastery.

This year’s celebration had a special character, because they were presided by Bishop Gregory of Supraśl. On the eve of the feast, all-night-vigil was celebrated. Bishop Gregory was accompanied by the dean of the Olsztyn deanery, Fr. Witalis Czyżewski, Fr. Aleksander Makal and clergy of the deanery of Olsztyn and their faithful.

At 23.00 an akathistos before the Tree-handed Icon of Theotokos was served. The copy of the icon from the Holy Mount Athos was given to the monastery 16 August this year. Addressing the faithful, Bishop Gregory stressed the importance of prayer, especially the one at night, and the one directed to the Mother of God.

On the feast day, molebien to the Holy Mother of God was served and after that the Divine Liturgy began. Pilgrims that filled the usually empty church came from the Bialystok region and surrounding parishes. Fr. Aleksander Makal said the sermon. He in the years 1957 to 1971 carried was a paster there.

The celebrations ended with a procession around the temple, during which people prayed at the tomb of the founder and builder of the parish church, Fr. Aleksander Awajew. The herbs brought by the pilgrims were blessed.

After the service once again Bishop Gregory addressed the nuns, parishioners and pilgrims. He recalled the sacred nature of the Dormition of Theotokos. He pointed out that it teaches us to move our thoughts from earth to sky, shows how to seek God’s will for us in strange situations, but also how to strive for perfection by fighting passions, and purifying our hearts. The bishop thanked the abbes and sisters, the two priests Aleksander Szełomow and Aleksander Makal (both were pastors there) for joint prayer, the pilgrims for coming and for their love for monasteries, where they seek the living water. He wished all joy and spiritual care of the Most Holy Mother of God.

After the service everyone went to the feast dinner in the spacious dining room of the newly built monastery building. It is not finished yet, but every year the changes can be seen. During the meal, Abbes Agnes expressed gratitude to Bishop Gregory, clerics and pilgrims for coming to the feast of the monastery, praying together, and for any support, so that sisters can continue building a new home.

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