Faithful from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) and the Serbian Orthodox Church gathered in the Serbian cathedral in London to celebrate the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple with joint services centered around the revered Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

The icon, one of the most venerated miracle-working images of the Russian Orthodox diaspora, was brought to the cathedral from the local ROCOR community, according to the website of the Western European Diocese of ROCOR.

Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe (ROCOR) and Bishop Nektarios of the Serbian Orthodox Church welcomed the icon. Clergy from both communities concelebrated a festive evening service attended by hundreds of worshippers. During the prayers, special petitions were offered for peace in Ukraine, in the Holy Land, and in all regions suffering from conflict.

Following the service, Bishop Irenei delivered a sermon highlighting the long-standing tradition of spiritual unity between Russians and Serbs. He reminded attendees that the revered icon accompanied Russian refugees after the 1917 Revolution, becoming a symbol of continuity for the Russian diaspora.

“We stand before the very same image that our predecessors carried with them when they left Russia more than a century ago,” Bishop Irenei said. “Its presence reminds us of our shared Christian path — a path that rises above politics and national interests.” He emphasized that the Church must never become a political instrument: “If anyone attempts to use faith or clergy for political purposes, our response can only be forgiveness. We serve God alone and His Kingdom.”

The bishop called on the faithful to continue praying tirelessly for an end to war, violence, and enmity: “May the prayers of the Mother of God multiply love — the love that makes all people brothers and sisters.”

Bishop Nektarios thanked the assembled clergy and faithful, noting that shared prayer “strengthens believers and fills the community with joy.” The evening concluded with a communal meal shared by clergy and parishioners.