The 8th All-American Youth Pilgrimage of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church concluded in Parma, Ohio, bringing together more than 700 young pilgrims from the United States and Canada. Participants prayed for Ukraine, reflected on their own vocation, and strengthened their spiritual unity with their homeland.
This was reported by the press service of the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC.
“This year, the 8th All-American Youth Pilgrimage brought together more than 700 pilgrims from different parts of the United States of America, as well as guests from Canada and Ukraine. Young people and families traveled hundreds and thousands of kilometers to pray together, grow in faith, make new friends, and discover their vocation in God’s plan. This map shows how large and diverse our community is. Despite the distances, we were all united by one faith, common prayer, and the desire to be closer to God,” the All-American Youth Pilgrimage said on its Facebook page.
The pilgrimage took place from June 11 to 14 under the theme “Your Vocation in God’s Plan.” The four-day program became a space for prayer, spiritual growth, fellowship, and reflection on the life path of young Ukrainians in the diaspora.
Together with the youth, the pilgrimage was attended by Metropolitan of Philadelphia Bishop Borys Gudziak, Eparch of Parma Bishop Bohdan Danylo, Eparch of the St. Nicholas Eparchy of Chicago Bishop Venedykt Aleksiychuk, Eparch of Stamford Bishop Paul Chomnycky, and Eparch of Toronto Bryan Bayda.
This year’s theme of the pilgrimage was dedicated to a person’s vocation in God’s design. Participants discussed both spiritual and priestly ministry, as well as every Christian’s calling to responsibility, love, and service to others in everyday life.
Prayer for Ukraine and its people held a special place during the event. The youth and clergy prayed for Ukrainian defenders, civilians, and a just peace for the country, which continues to resist russian aggression.
On the final day of the pilgrimage, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, together with bishops, clergy, and young pilgrims, recorded a video address to Ukrainians in Ukraine and around the world. Participants expressed support for the Ukrainian people, emphasizing their spiritual unity with those who defend the freedom and independence of the state.
It is worth noting that the pilgrimage program included Divine Liturgies, spiritual teachings, prayers and Taizé-style prayer meetings, testimonies from people of different vocations, spiritual quizzes, sports activities, hikes, and a traditional bonfire with Ukrainian songs.
“A shared meal is a special moment of our pilgrimage. It is at the table that we have the opportunity to gather all together, share impressions, communicate, and simply rejoice in one another’s presence. Because a pilgrimage is also a community that is born in simple and sincere moments,” the youth organization noted.
The organizers say that the pilgrimage became an important opportunity for young Ukrainians in North America to strengthen their faith, feel the support of the church community, and recognize their own role in the life of the Ukrainian people.
Photo: Press Service of the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC
Author: Inna Mikhno