On May 19, 2024, Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, the Holy Metropolis of Pisidia commemorated the “Tzikko-Panagia” icon, a replica of the Mother of God of Kykkos venerated in Antalya. This icon had previously performed a miraculous healing of a paralytic on this same Sunday. The Holy Monastery of Kykkos in Cyprus had a dependency in Antalya since the 18th century, where this miraculous icon was revered.
The festivities commenced with an all-night vigil on the eve of the feast, attended by clergy and faithful of the Metropolis. The day of the feast saw a tri-hierarchical Divine Liturgy led by Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, with Bishop Amvrosios of Eudokiada and Bishop Michael of Comana, Patriarchal Exarch in Kyiv, assisting. Bishop Michael had previously served as the dean of the Church of Saint Alypios in Antalya.
During his sermon, Metropolitan Job highlighted the role of the Most Holy Mother of God as a protector and intercessor for all who approach Her with prayer and a pure heart. He emphasized that no one is left orphaned on earth, as they have the Mother of God to turn to for guidance and support.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the bishops, clergy, and faithful extended their best wishes to Metropolitan Job on his onomastic feast day (according to the Julian calendar), praying for God’s blessings and success in his pastoral ministry.
The church choir, under the direction of Mrs. Lydia Maslova, presented a concert titled “From Passion to Resurrection”, featuring liturgical hymns arranged by renowned Ukrainian and Russian composers such as Bortniansky, Arkhangelsky, and Chesnokov. The attendees then gathered for a reception in the church courtyard.