On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025, St Barbara’s Church hosted an exceptional event: the visit of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.
Considered one of the oldest and most venerated icons in the Russian Orthodox tradition, this sacred work is closely linked to the cultural and spiritual history of the Russian diaspora. Its visit to Vevey is part of a European tour aimed at showcasing this unique religious and artistic heritage.
Originally from Kursk, Russia, the icon known as ‘The Sign’ (Znamenie) is kept at the headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) in New York. For more than a century, it has accompanied the Orthodox community throughout the world. Its arrival in French-speaking Switzerland offered visitors a rare moment steeped in history, fervour and sharing.
A photo gallery retracing the highlights of this visit can be found below.
To learn more about the history of the Kursk icon, click here.
The restoration of St. Barbara’s Church is continuing thanks to the generosity of donors. If you would like to contribute to its preservation, please visit the
