The cross procession from the capital of South Ossetia Tskhinval to the ancient temple of St. George, attended by the Orthodox Christians of the Republic, is under way.
As IA "Res" has been informed by the Priest of the Cathedral of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Jacob Khetagurov, the cross procession is taking place with the icon of Our Lady – the Comforter of Tskhinval.
"This icon of the Blessed Virgin is original; it is not copied off from any icon. The icon was painted in honor of the salvation of our people during the war between Georgia and South Ossetia in August 2008. In honor of the icon we have established a holiday and have timed it to the first day of the Dormition Fast, "- said the priest.
According to him, in honor of the holiday will be held the Divine Liturgy in the church of St. George, and in the village of Ger.
"We will hold the first public prayer during the procession at the intersection of the Isaac Kharebov and the Heroes' streets, where in 2008 took place the fierce fighting and were killed many soldiers and civilians. Then we will go to the village of Dmenis. This village has always been one of the strong points of defense. In the Dmenis temple will also be held a public prayer. Then the Divine Liturgy will be served in the church of St. George in the village of Ger, after which the cross procession will head for Dzau district. Thus, the whole South Ossetia will be enclosed with the icon ", - said Father Jacob.
It should be noted, that the Dzuar Ger in the Ossetian mythology is the deity healing those who suffer from mental illness. The sanctuary is a small church on the edge of the mountain cliff near the village of Ger in Tskhinval district of South Ossetia. The church building was erected in 1870, but since ancient times there had been a temple dedicated to one of the patron saints of the Ossetians. The sanctuary is called "Gery Dzuar Uastyrdzhy kuvændon" - literally-"The sanctuary of Uastaergy."
