Pennsylvania Diocese Appeals for Support for Lithuania Pilgrimage
Orthodox youth leaders are seeking donations to overcome rising travel costs and make a faith-centered pilgrimage and exchange program possible.
BATH, PA — Organizers in the Orthodox Church in America are seeking financial support to help send a group of 10 to 12 teenagers and young adults on an international youth exchange and pilgrimage this summer, according to an appeal shared by diocesan youth leaders.
The planned trip would take participants from the Dioceses of Eastern Pennsylvania and Vilnius-Lithuania to Ignalina, Lithuania, where they would take part in a camp exchange program with Orthodox youth from abroad. The itinerary also includes a pilgrimage to the renowned Orthodox shrine of Holy Mountain Grabarka in Poland. Organizers say the program is intended to deepen the faith of young people while fostering relationships between Orthodox Christians in North America and Eastern Europe.
According to the appeal, preparations for the exchange have received the blessing of Abp. Mark and support from parents and youth ministry workers. However, organizers reported that funding challenges have threatened the project. An anticipated grant did not materialize, and rising travel costs have increased the overall budget. Leaders noted that airfare prices have climbed substantially since planning began last year, making it difficult for many participants and counselors to cover expenses on their own.
Organizers said that raising several thousand dollars would allow the trip to move forward, providing participants with an opportunity to experience Orthodox life in Lithuania and Poland while strengthening ties between sister churches across the Atlantic.
Donations to help Orthodox youth participate in the student exchange can be made here.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Orthodox Church has seen rapid parish growth across Western Europe.
