Abp. Daniel Presides at Transfiguration Pilgrimage in Ellwood City

ELLWOOD CITY, PA — Clergy, monastics, and faithful from several Orthodox jurisdictions gathered at the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City on Aug. 5-6 for the monastery’s annual pilgrimage and celebration of its patronal feast, the Transfiguration of Christ.

At the invitation of Abp. Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, Abp. Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest presided over the festal services. The pilgrimage opened Wednesday evening with the Festal Vigil, as pilgrims and the monastery sisterhood gathered in prayer before the Great Feast.

Thursday’s observances included the Akathist “Glory to God for All Things,” followed by a procession and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Abp. Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania concelebrated with Abp. Daniel, while clergy and faithful from multiple OCA dioceses, the Romanian Episcopate, and other Orthodox jurisdictions participated.

After the Liturgy, pilgrims shared a luncheon before gathering in the monastery cemetery for a Panikhida. The departed commemorated included Metr. Theodosius, Abp. Kyrill, Mother Alexandra, and Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko.

The pilgrimage concluded with Paraklesis and Holy Unction. Before the anointing, Abp. Daniel blessed a newly commissioned icon of the Mother of God in the monastery pavilion, which was then venerated by the faithful.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA Diocese of the Midwest hosted its fourth annual seminarian retreat.