May 20, 2015
“Hundreds of pilgrims from across the United States are scheduled to make the annual spiritual journey,” said monastery spokesman the Very Rev. John Kowalczyk. “This pilgrimage is the largest gathering of Orthodox Christians in America.” An estimated 5,000 people are expected.
Events begin Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the monastery archway, led by Abbot Igumen Sergius,accompanied by the monastic brotherhood and seminary community. Vespers and Matins follow at the Monastery Church, then dinner will be served in the dining hall.
The formal greeting of the miraculous Iveron Icon is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the Monastery Church.
“We live in a world which is seeking healing, not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual. Being in the presence of this most-holy relic penetrates the terrestrial with the celestial intercession which is given freely for those who have faith,” said the Rev. Kowalczyk. The main liturgy begins at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day. The icon will be venerated during the service and pilgrims will be anointed following the service. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., will be the main celebrant, with Archbishop Michael of New York, Archishop Mark of Philadelphia, Bishop David of Sitka and clergy from nearby parishes concelebrating. Responses will be sung by St. Tikhon’s Seminary Choir.
Veneration of the icon and anointing of pilgrims will also take place on Monday, May 25, at a 2 p.m. service in front of the Bell Tower. His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, will deliver a homily prior to the anointing of pilgrims.
Tours of the Metropolitan Museum of the Orthodox Church in America and Guzey Icon Repository will be provided, under the direction of Archpriest John Perich, curator. St. Tikhon’s newly expanded bookstore and gift shop will be open.
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary’s 73rd annual commencement exercises will be Saturday at 1 p.m. A formal commencement banquet is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Genetti Manor, 1505 Main Ave., Dickson City. For seminary commencement banquet tickets, contact the Rev. Dennis Swencki at the seminary.
IF YOU GO
111th annual Pilgrimage to St. Tikhon’s Monastery
FRIDAY, MAY 22
3:30 p.m.: Official opening with Moleben to St. Tikhon in the Monastery Church
4 p.m.: Vespers and Matins in the Monastery Church. All pilgrims are invited to dinner in the monastery dining hall following services.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
9 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. A meal for all pilgrims in the monastery dining hall following services
1 p.m. 73rd annual academic commencement of St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary
4:30 p.m. Greeting of the Hawaiian Myrhrr Streaming Icon and vigil in the Monastery Church. Dinner in the monastery dining hall for all pilgrims following the services.
SUNDAY, MAY 24
9 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. A meal for all pilgrims in the monastery dining hall following services.
4 p.m. Vespers and Matins in the Monastery Church
MONDAY, MAY 25
7:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy – Monastery Church
10 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
12:15 p.m. Veteran’s Pannikhida and memorial service, All Saints Bell Tower
1:30 p.m. Akathist to St. Alexis Toth in the Monastery Church
2:30 p.m. Moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos and anointing of the sick, infirm and all pilgrims at the Monastery Bell Tower
4 p.m. Vespers and Matins in the Monastery Church
