Monument to Protection of Mother of God consecrated in Ukrainian Cossack city on Annunciation

A monument to the Holy Protection of the Mother of God was consecrated on the feast of Annunciation in the city of Krivoy Rog, 250 miles southwest of Kiev. The monument is especially appropriate given that the Theotokos is the patroness of the Cossacks, whose traditions permeate the region.

The 13-ft. sculpture of the Mother of God is made of bronze and mounted on a 13-ft. pedestal, reports First City.

The opening and consecration of the monument, attended by more than 600 people, saw a unique confluence of spiritual symbolism. The statue was erected in the Pokrov (“Protection”) District of the city in front of the regional council building, and it was blessed on the great feast of the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would become the Theotokos, bearing the incarnate Christ in her womb.

The monument was consecrated by Metropolitan Ephraim of Krivoy Rog, reports The Union of Orthodox Journalists.

The consecration ceremony was attended by representatives of the clergy, city officials, district heads, and citizens. Mayor Yuriy Vilkul noted, “The opening of the monument is a landmark event for all of Krivoy Rog. After all, the Holy Virgin is the patroness of our ancestors, the Cossacks. And our region is famous for ancient Cossack traditions.”

Following the ceremony, those present laid tulips, daisies, and white roses at the foot of the monument. Locals say the sculpture fits perfectly into the surroundings of the ancient square, and that the monument reminds them that the Theotokos protects Krivoy Rog from troubles and adversities.

Source: Orthochristian.com