PHILADELPHIA – All are invited to join Bishop Andriy Rabiy and clergy on a pilgrimage at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Centralia, Pa., on Sunday, August 26. The pilgrimage begins at noon with the celebration of the divine liturgy with Bishop Andriy, apostolic administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, as the main celebrant and homilist.
Bishop Ronald Gainer of the Diocese of Harrisburg will give a reflection and lead the pilgrims in the praying of a Living Rosary at 2 p.m. before the historic and jeweled 18th century copy of the Icon of Our Lady of Pochayiv.
At 3 p.m. an Akafist to the Mother of God will be sung. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a candlelight procession to the church for the celebration of a Moleben to the Mother of God with Bishop Andriy as main celebrant and homilist. At the conclusion of the Moleben, prayers for healing and the anointing with holy oils for the healing of soul and body will take place.
Confessions will be available throughout the day at various locations on the church grounds. There will be religious goods for sale, which will be blessed at the conclusion of the Living Rosary in the outdoor chapel. Food service will be provided at 1-4 p.m.
This is a rain-or-shine event. Handicap parking will be provided on the church grounds. Off-site parking and shuttle van service will be provided from specially designated areas near the church. For more information readers may contact the church rectory at 570-339-0650.
This pilgrimage was the inspired by Patriarch Sviatoslav during his historic visit to the Centralia church in November 2015. He marveled at the continuing presence of the church in Centralia, where an underground mine fire resulted in the abandonment of the town, the demolition of almost all buildings and the relocation of all but less than 10 residents. Patriarch Sviatoslav felt a sense of true holiness that pervades the entire church property, and his desire is for all people of faith to come and experience this holiness, sanctity and serenity as pilgrims to this holy place on the mountain.
The church is located two blocks north of Route 42 in Centralia, Pa., at the following mailing address 1130 Summit Hill Road, Aristes, PA 17920.