The Protection of the Mother of God is one of the most beloved feast days on the Orthodox calendar among the Slavic peoples. The Russian word Pokrov (Покров) has a complex meaning. First of all, it refers to a cloak or shroud, but it also means protection or intercession.
In this episode of the documentary THE GOD’S PEOPLE, Nun Martha speaks about her experience of visiting the boarding home for children, “I used to think that the most important thing in life was to create something immortal. I thought that the work of art was immortal."
On 27 September, when the Church celebrates the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross, a special service is held at the conclusion of the Matins or of the Divine Liturgy. The Cross is taken in solemn procession through the church to the chanting of the Hymn of the Feast.