On July 25-26, 2026, the eighth procession "In the Footsteps of Andrei Bogolyubsky" took place in the Vladimir Diocese. In two days, the pilgrims covered a 42—kilometer route from the village of Kideksha, historically associated with the birthplace of the holy Great Prince Andrew, to the village of Bogolyubovo, the place of his tragic death.
The prayer procession, led by Metropolitan Nikander of Vladimir and Suzdal, Chairman of the Financial and Economic Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, was attended by the clergy of the diocese, representatives of state and municipal authorities, law enforcement agencies, Orthodox youth, as well as parishioners of churches and pilgrims from many different cities. At various stages of the march, officials joined the march: the mayor of Vladimir, Sergey Volkov, the head of the Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Vladimir region, Major General of Justice Artem Kulakov, the head of the Interior Ministry Department for the Vladimir region, Major General of Police Igor Beletsky, Senator Vladimir Kiselyov, Minister of Architecture and Construction of the Vladimir region Alexander Muromsky and the head of The Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations in the Vladimir region, Major General of the Internal Service Alexei Kupin.
The march began in the early morning of July 25 at the ancient white stone church of the Holy Princes Boris and Gleb in the village of Kideksha, an architectural monument of the XII century. Throughout the entire route, the clergy and laity performed prayer hymns, appealing for help and heavenly intercession to all the saints who shone forth in the land of Vladimir. After making a long stop in the village of Pereborovo to recuperate and share a meal, the pilgrims continued on their way.
In the evening, the crusaders arrived in the village of Mordysh, where they were greeted by local residents who cooked dinner at St. Nicholas Church. The next morning, Metropolitan Nikander celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Church. The hymns were performed by the bishop's choir under the direction of regent Roman Klimentovsky.
After sharing the morning meal, the participants set off again, heading towards the St. Bogolyubsky Convent. After stopping at the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in the village of Poretskoye, the pilgrims went on the final leg of the route.
By the evening of the second day, the believers reached the end point of the two-day journey. A solemn prayer service was held at the St. Bogolyubsky Convent, on the site of the ancient princely residence of the Holy Prince Andrew Bogolyubsky. The procession ended with a common fraternal meal within the walls of the monastery.
The Vladimir Diocese expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, volunteers, employees of various services, residents of settlements and all concerned people who helped accompany the pilgrims, organize recreation and meals.