4,000 faithful attend Dormition Pilgrimage in Sloatsburg, N.Y.

SLOATSBURG, N.Y. - More than 4,000 pilgrims from Ukrainian Catholic parishes throughout the metro New York area, took part in the 46th Holy Dormition (Assumption) Pilgrimage, held August 12-13 on the grounds of St. Mary's Villa in Sloatsburg, N.Y. The pilgrimages are organized annually by the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate.

The pilgrimage took on special significance this year, since it occurred during the Jubilee Year 2000 proclaimed by Pope John Paul II.

Held amidst the picturesque mountain views and rolling hills surrounding St. Mary's Villa, the pilgrimage included two days of events. A divine liturgy, candlelight procession and moleben to the Mother of God took place on Saturday, August 12.

On Sunday, August 13, pilgrims took part in a pontifical divine liturgy concelebrated by Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk of Philadelphia and Bishop Basil Losten of Stamford, as well as a number of other priests from the Philadelphia and Stamford eparchies of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Sunday's events also included other divine liturgies and services, and the blessing of religious articles and flowers, as well as prayers for the ill.

Refreshments, including such Ukrainian favorites as holubtsi and varenyky, were provided for the event and served by volunteers from the League of Ukrainian Catholics, which has branches at parishes throughout the Philadelphia and Stamford eparchies.

Photo report by Andrij Wowk
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, September 17, 2000, No. 38, Vol. LXVIII

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