The 8th All-American Youth Pilgrimage of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church took place in Parma, Ohio, bringing together more than 700 participants from across the United States, Canada, and Ukraine. This year’s pilgrimage was held under the theme “Your Vocation in God’s Plan” and served as a place for communal prayer, spiritual reflection, and encounters between young people and clergy.
This was reported by СИНОД ЄПИСКОПІВ Української Греко-Католицької Церкви.
Among those participating in the pilgrimage were Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak of Philadelphia, Bishop Bohdan Danylo of Parma, Bishop Venedykt Aleksiychuk of the Saint Nicholas Eparchy of Chicago, Bishop Paul Chomnycky of Stamford, and Bishop Bryan Bayda of Toronto, Chairman of the Patriarchal Commission for Youth. Together with the young participants, they took part in liturgical services, spiritual talks, and discussions focused on the theme of vocation.
According to Bishop Bohdan Danylo, this year’s pilgrimage took place in the context of preparations for the Major Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, scheduled for July. The central theme focused on answering questions about a person’s individual vocation and their place in God’s plan. During spiritual sessions, participants reflected on vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, family life, and service to society.
The pilgrimage program included Divine Liturgies, Taizé and Praise prayers, spiritual conferences, testimonies from laypeople, priests, and religious, as well as cultural and youth activities. Participants had opportunities to connect with one another, discuss the challenges of modern life, and share their personal experiences of faith.
Prayer for Ukraine, its defenders, and a just peace held a special place throughout the pilgrimage. Ukrainian servicemembers currently undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation in the United States with the support of the Protez Foundation also took part in the event. They shared personal testimonies about their experiences during the war and the importance of faith in difficult moments of life.
On the final day of the pilgrimage, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, together with clergy and young participants, recorded a video message addressed to UGCC faithful and Ukrainians around the world. In it, he expressed support for the Ukrainian people and gratitude to all those who continue to serve Ukraine during the full-scale war.
In addition to the spiritual program, participants enjoyed concerts, creative gatherings, sports activities, and the traditional youth bonfire. Youth groups from Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, Canada, and other communities participated in the events. Evening gatherings around the bonfire provided an opportunity to sing Ukrainian songs together, socialize, and strengthen connections among participants.
Organizers note that the All-American Youth Pilgrimage has become an important tradition for Ukrainian youth across North America, uniting participants through prayer, Christian values, and support for Ukraine. This year’s event once again demonstrated the vitality of Ukrainian communities overseas and their spiritual unity with their homeland.
Фото: synod.ugcc.ua
Author: Danylo Pievchev