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GV: bearers carrying icon from the Church of the Assumption. (2 shots)
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SV: icon passing over people bowing on street
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TV PAN ACROSS: people kneeling on ground.
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SV: icon carried thorough crowded streets. (2 shots)
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Initials RH/DE/JB/1710



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Thousands of pilgrims from all parts of Greece travelled to Tinos Island, in the Aegean Sea on Sunday (15 August) for a major Greek Orthodox ceremony.

SYNOPSIS: They were attending the service and litany of the Holy Icon of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It's held every year and August the 15th is a national holiday. Greek Orthodox followers regard it as the major event in the religious year. After a service in the Church of the Assumption, the icon is carried through the streets.

The icon is reputed to have miraculous healing powers and many of the people make the pilgrimage to seek help from it. Like Catholic pilgrims to the town of Lourdes in France, they hope to have their illnesses cured.

The icon is about 900 years old and it was found hundreds of years ago in a grotto on Tinos. The discovery was said to have followed a vision in an old woman's dream.

Although August 15th is the major day in the church calender, there are hundreds of pilgrims visiting Tinos throughout the year. The island is also a popular tourist resort. But tourists hoping to catch some Greek sun are warned against wearing bathing costumes near the places of worship.