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In 1923, the future martyr was only 26 years old. Seeing the unfolding persecution of the Church, he was ordained priest with the words, "We need to protect the faith". Priest Valerian Novitsky was arrested and executed in 1930.
On 31 August, the Orthodox faithful commemorate the miracle-working icon of the Mother of God "Pantanassa". Its copies can be found in churches across the world, and the original is kept at Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos.
On the feast day of the Dormition, we honour the translation into the eternal life in God of the Most Holy Theotokos, who leads us along to God, comforts us on the journey to His Kingdom, and embraces us with His Divine Love