Orthodox Pilgrims Remember Brother José at Jordanville Monastery

JORDANVILLE, NY — Orthodox Christians gathered at Holy Trinity Monastery from October 31 through November 2 for the annual pilgrimage commemorating Brother José Muñoz-Cortés, who was murdered in Athens on October 31, 1997. Organized by St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Washington, D.C., the pilgrimage has taken place every year since his death to preserve his memory and recall the miracles associated with the Montreal-Iveron Myrrh-Streaming Icon of the Mother of God.

This year, the pilgrimage was joined by faithful from St. Alexander Nevsky Church in Lakewood, NJ. Upon arriving at the monastery, pilgrims gathered for a Panikhida at Brother José’s grave near the cemetery chapel of the Dormition. The evening Vigil filled the monastery church with worshipers.

Bp. Luke of Syracuse concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with the monastery and seminary brotherhood. The seminary and monastery choir provided the liturgical singing, and five chalices were used to accommodate the large number of faithful receiving Holy Communion.

Another Panikhida was served at 3 p.m. before the pilgrims departed for their respective homes. Participants spoke of feeling spiritually renewed by the monastery’s prayer and holiness. In his concluding remarks, Bp. Luke welcomed the pilgrims to return and encouraged them to enjoy the monastery’s peaceful surroundings and hospitality.

Previously, the UOJ reported that more than 300 gathered in New York for the visit of the Iveron Icon.