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URBAN WILDERNESS PILGRIMAGE
On Saturday, March 8, 2008 a regional youth pilgrimage in New York City was held for the faithful of the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Eastern Pennsylvania regions of the diocese. Sponosored by the Diocesan Apostolate For Youth, and hosted by our Diocesan St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church, in the lower east side of New York City, more than 70 youth, clergy and young adults made a pilgrimage to the St. Mary of Egypt Monastery. Making the mile long pilgrimage on foot through the streets of New York, carrying a newly constructed and blessed seven foot tall pilgrim's cross, the youth literally followed the Gospel commandment of "denying (themselves) taking up (their) cross and following after (Christ)" Walking and praying, in the midst of the urban wilderness, those in attendance imitated the blessed ascetics of the Church, whom the Church remembered on this day, being the Saturday before Great Lent. This marked the first of what is hoped to be other regional pilgrimages throughout the diocese during the coming months. These regional pilgrimages will culminate in the diocesan wide Annual Summer Pilgrimage, to be held on Aug 15-17, 2008 at Camp Nazareth.
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Getting to New York was part of the pilgrimage experience. The youth of the St. John the Baptist Parishes of Stratford and Bridgeport Connecticut pause in the Grand Central Terminal in New York on the first leg of the journey.
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To reach St Nicholas of Myra Church, these pilgrims travelled by subway....
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...And by foot through the streets of the lower east-side.
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The first stop on the pilgrimage schedule was the beautiful St. Nicholas of Myra Church, located on East 10th Street.
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Fr. Andrew Fetchina, the director of the Diocesan Apostolate For Youth greeted the pilgrims upon their arrival at St. Nicholas Church.
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As in all pilgrimages, prayer was the heart of the pilgrimage experience. Pictured are Fr. John Beskid, the host pastor, along with Hieromonk Matthias Moriak, who led the pilgrims in the Moleben to the Holy Cross Service.
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"Your Cross we adore, O Master..."
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The pilgrims pose with the newly blessed pilgrimage cross in the Nave of the magnificent St. Nicholas of Myra Church. This cross will accompany our diocesan pilgrims on all future domestic pilgrimages. The locations travelled will be etched into the rear of the cross as a historical record.
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The youngest pilgrims led the mile long procession to the St. Mary of Egypt Monastery, carrying the large pilgrim's cross.
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The older pilgrims took a turn in carrying the cross.
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While processing through the streets singing and praying, the pilgrims were pleased to witness many pius people blessing themselves as the cross passed by.
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The Pilgrims arrive at St. Mary of Egypt Monastery.
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Upon arriving at the monastery, they were greeted in the beautiful monastery chapel by Fr. Siloam.
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The older youth listen attentively to Fr. Siloam.
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The pilgrims were treated to refreshments in the monastery dining room. This dining room is used in their ministry to the needy.
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Prior to the celebration of Great Vespers, which marked the conclusion of the pilgrimage those in attendance enjoyed an opportunity for informal conversation and pizza.
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The journey home....
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