Monastery of the Transfiguration annual pilgrimage August 5-6
The Monastery of the Transfiguration here will be marking the 40th anniversary of its establishment and Mother Christophora’s 20th year as abbess during its annual pilgrimage August 5-6, 2007.
“Having been blessed to live our monastic life for some years now in Ellwood City, we can see how the vision of our founders has begun to bear fruit,” said Mother Christophora. “Knowing what a spiritual wealth can come from monasticism, they offered their lives and efforts to bring this dream to the American land. Monastics, clergy, and laity have labored side by side and the monastery is deeply appreciated by many: young families who come for spiritual retreats; parishes who make pilgrimages; college classes who come to inquire about this ancient faith and way of life; students who come to worship in song and activity; and our single friends who come to deepen their own lives of prayer.”
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman and His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, will preside at the pilgrimage services. Other visiting hierarchs and clergy will also be in attendance.
On Sunday, August 5, the Vigil of the Great Feast of the Transfiguration will be held in the monastery chapel at 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will follow.
On Monday, August 6, the greeting and vesting of Metropolitan Herman will begin at 9:30 a.m, followed by a hierarchical procession to the outdoor Saint Elizabeth the Grand Duchess chapel for the 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. At noon, lunch will be served. Pilgrims are invited to enjoy the monastery grounds, and to shop in the store.
The Service of Holy Unction will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m., with anointing of pilgrims.
The nuns welcome everyone to join them in marking these important milestones. For further information or a list of area hotels, call 724.758-4002.