PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA — Two Orthodox Christian churches in the Southside  neighborhood of Pittsburgh will use icons from the Wrestling With Angels museum exhibition in  a local procession. To commemorate the first Sunday of Great Lent, St. Vladimir Ukrainian  Orthodox Church and Holy Assumption of St. Mary Orthodox Church congregants plan to carry  icons in a joint procession and outdoor service in and around East Carson Street. 

The loan of these icons is made possible by Icons for America, a ministry that provides for the  loan, transportation, and insurance of the forty-five icons in the Wrestling With Angels permanent collection. Each of the icons was painted by renowned iconographer Vladislav  Andrejev, founder of the Prosopon School of Iconology and Iconography, or one of his master  students. 

After the regular Sunday services on March 21, 2021, at approximately Noon, congregants will  take up the icons from their respective parishes and carry them outside. From St. Vladimir  Church the procession will make its way on Sidney Street to 19th Street before heading south.  From St. Mary the procession will head north on 19th Street. The congregants will process  together on East Carson Street and end with a joint prayer service in the public parking lot at the  corner of East Carson and 18th Street. All are welcome to watch the procession and attend the  prayer service. Icons will be on display for viewing and veneration on Saturday, March 20, 2021  in the afternoon. Check the local parish Websites for details. 

Inquiries or requests for interviews can be directed to Fr. Michael Sochka, Icons for America  Secretary (cell: (267) 736-9454, email: msochka@gmail.com) or to Mrs. Lynette Hull, Icons for  America President (cell: (609) 651-0807, email: k2togusa@mac.com).