The Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți distributed about 500 icons to mothers and their caregivers in maternity wards across Suceava County on Sunday.
The initiative took place in the context of International Women’s Day and formed part of the eparchial programme “Month for Life”.
Hospital chaplains distributed the icons, offering blessings and words of encouragement to the women in the hospital.
According to the archdiocese, the gesture was received with emotion and joy, the icon of the Mother of God being regarded as a sign of protection, hope and spiritual strength. For mothers in the hospital, the icon also represents an invitation to prayer and to entrust their children to the protection of the Mother of God.
Through this initiative, organised on a day dedicated to women and motherhood, the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți sought to convey a message of appreciation, gratitude and blessing to all women, as well as recognition for medical staff who serve with dedication to protect life and human health.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day has been observed on March 8 since 1977, when it was officially recognised by the United Nations.
In the Orthodox Church, Christian women are celebrated on the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, the second Sunday after Easter, when the Patriarch of Romania traditionally sends a message honouring women’s contributions to the Church and society.
The Romanian Patriarchate has designated 2026 as the Commemorative Year of the Holy Women in the calendar, including the Myrrh-bearing Women, martyrs, monastics, wives, and mothers.
This year is also the first in which the entire month of March is officially marked as the “Month of Women” in Romania, following approval of the initiative in Parliament and its promulgation by President Nicușor Dan.
Photo: Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți
