Thousands Gather at St. Tikhon’s for Annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage
Thousands of Orthodox Christians traveled to America’s oldest Orthodox monastery for a Memorial Day weekend of prayer, worship, and spiritual renewal.
WAYMART, PA — Thousands of Orthodox Christian faithful from across the United States gathered at St. Tikhon’s Monastery over Memorial Day weekend for the monastery’s annual pilgrimage, one of the largest Orthodox gatherings in North America. Organizers estimated that approximately 5,000 pilgrims traveled to the historic site near Waymart to participate in worship services, prayer, and fellowship.
Pilgrims arrived from both nearby communities and distant states, with many describing the monastery as a place of profound spiritual significance. Some attendees traveled only a short distance from neighboring Pennsylvania towns, while others drove for many hours from states including Tennessee and Connecticut. For first-time visitors and longtime pilgrims alike, the annual event offered an opportunity for spiritual renewal and connection with the Orthodox faith.
Founded in 1905 by St. Tikhon of Moscow, St. Tikhon’s Monastery holds a unique place in American religious history as the first established Orthodox monastery in the United States. According to church leaders, the monastery’s sacred legacy is strengthened by its association with numerous Orthodox saints, including St. Tikhon and St. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre. Metr. Tikhon emphasized the monastery’s importance as a spiritual center where generations of faithful have gathered for worship and pilgrimage.
The Memorial Day pilgrimage continued through Monday evening with additional liturgical services and events for visitors.
Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Tikhon’s Monastery will host a clergy retreat in October.
