Marian devotion
Our Lady of Zarvanytsia
Zarvanytsia, Ukraine
The most important Marian shrine in Ukraine, where the Virgin Mary is venerated as the Mother of God.
History of the Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Zarvanytsia is located in the Ternopil region of western Ukraine. Devotion to the Virgin Mary at this site dates back to the 13th century, when an image of the Virgin was found by a monk in the forest.
The miraculous image
The image of Our Lady of Zarvanytsia is a 13th-century oil painting depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus. It was canonically crowned in 1867 by Pope Pius IX and is considered one of the most important Marian images in Eastern Europe.
"The Virgin of Zarvanytsia is the mother of all Ukrainians, regardless of their faith or origin."
Miracles and conversions
Throughout the centuries, numerous miracles have been attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Zarvanytsia:
- Cures of serious illnesses
- Conversions of souls far from the faith
- Protection during wars and conflicts
- Preserving the faith in times of communist persecution
The annual pilgrimage
Every year in July, tens of thousands of pilgrims from Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and other countries flock to the Zarvanytsia Shrine. The pilgrimage is one of the most important in Eastern Europe.
The Virgin Mary during the Soviet era
During the Soviet occupation (1920-1991), religion was heavily persecuted in Ukraine. Many churches were closed or destroyed. However, devotion to the Virgin Mary remained alive underground. Catholic families continued to pray the Rosary in their homes, passing the faith down from generation to generation.
Prayer to Our Lady of Zarvanytsia
O Our Lady of Zarvanytsia, Mother of Mercy and Queen of Ukraine. You who have accompanied the Ukrainian people in their most difficult times, intercede for us before your Son Jesus. Protect our land, strengthen our faith, and guide us toward peace and unity. Amen.
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