The Velikoretsky procession is one of the largest in Russia. Every year, from June 3 to 8, tens of thousands of pilgrims gather from all over the world to worship the icon of St. Nicholas, discovered, as legend has it, on the banks of the Velikaya River in the 14th century. The route, from Kirov to the village of Velikoretskoye and back, is a total of 180 km.
A pilgrim sleeps
Pilgrims during prayer
Pilgrims rest taking shelter from the rain with plastic sheet
A pilgrim prays with a venerated icon of St Nicholas during the Velikoretsky procession
Pilgrims take part in the religious procession
A pilgrim sits after the procession
Volunteers prepare lunch for pilgrims in the village of Gorokhovo
Pilgrims are going to rest
Orthodox clergymen carry an icon of St Nicholas during the Velikoretsky religious procession
A pilgrim rests during the procession
The village doctor provides first aid to the pilgrim
A pilgrim during the procession
Pilgrims cross the rails during the Velikoretsky procession
A pilgrim reads the bible on the move during the procession
