www.byzcath.org Forums News & Events Eparchial & Parish Events For all those who were at the Mt. Saint Macrina Pilgrimage...

After wrapping up an exciting Pilgrimage weekend at Mount Saint Macrina, I can say that this had to be one of the most meaningful experiences in one's lifetime. Although I had the opportunity to partake in the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, a few prayers at some of the shrines and chapels, as well as partake in the big procession before closing out the evening, it seems like we need to remind ourselves that besides honoring the Theotokos, this pilgrimage also lets us start off the New Liturgical Year on a good note as well. Singing all those Marian Hymns was certainly quite uplifting to say the least. It was nice for Metropolitan William Skurla and all the Bishops to host many of the events there.

With that in mind, what was your best moment from this Pilgrimage? What did you like the most and what did you learn that felt most meaningful? This thread is open for those that went this past weekend, and to share any experiences and enlightenment. Thank you, and may God grant everyone here many, blessed years.

I liked the Slavonic Liturgy, with many young people in attendance. I also caught Fr. Ed Cimbala's sermon at the English Liturgy: he is a master homilist.

Nice article on this pilgrimage:

Pilgrimage at Mount St. Macrina Lifts Spirits [nbcphiladelphia.com]

Thanks for posting the article.

As always, the Pilgrimage was a grace-filled event for our family! It was my brother's first time there & he said that he will most definitely return next year. I did notice that there weren't any tour buses parked down on the racetrack this year, which I thought was odd. The Lord blessed us with some wonderful weather! Hearing the teens & young adults praying Compline in the Dormition Chapel is always so beautiful! It was bittersweet, too, being the first Pilgrimage without our friend John Harvey, whom I am sure many of you knew. It was nice seeing people come together to try & pitch in to do some of the work that John was known for doing. It was nice attending the Sunday 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy in the House of Prayer, which was offered for John.