UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE

ANNUAL SAINT THOMAS SUNDAY PILGRIMAGE TO THE METROPOLIA CENTER OF THE UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA 

The Council of Bishops and Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA cordially invite all Christ-loving faithful, in particular our youth of all ages to participate in this year’s SAINT THOMAS SUNDAY PILGRIMAGE.

Come and share in the light, grace and Gospel of the Risen Lord with others!

Bright Saturday: April 25, 2009

9:30AM     Divine Liturgy in Saint Andrew Memorial Church
6:00 PM     Vespers and Confessions in Saint Andrew Memorial Church

Sunday: April 26, 2009   

9:30AM   Eucharistic Liturgy Principle celebrant: His Beatitude Metropolitan Constantine, Archbishop Antony, Bishop Daniel and pastors of local parish communities followed by:

11:30 AM  A procession to the Cemetery’s Great Memorial Cross for the celebration of a Panakhyda for the repose of the souls of the departed servants of God, His Holiness Patriarch Mstyslav,  His Beatitude Metropolitan John, and all departed hierarchs, clergy and faithful of our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA, along with the victims of Stalin’s genocidal famine of 1932-33, the victims of the Chornobyl disaster, those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine and the USA and the victims of the 11th September 2001 terroristic attack upon America as well as our fallen soldiers throughout the world.

May the souls of our beloved find rest and their memory be eternal!

Youth Activities at the Cultural Center:

3:00PM   Meet our Father Bishops during an Ice Cream Social at the Ukrainian Cultural Center (all ages)

PARKING REGULATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

As directed by the Consistory, all parking on Memorial Church and Cemetery grounds is strictly prohibited on Saturday, 25 April and Sunday, 26 April 2009. Parking is permitted only on Consistory grounds located at 135 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ (Cultural Center lot and grounds). Round trip transportation of pilgrims to the Memorial Church and Cemetery will be provided.

Cultural exhibits and all commerce will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2009 from Noon to 6 pm and Sunday, 26 April from Noon to 6 pm in the main auditorium of the Cultural Center. Permits for sales must be obtained from the Consistory. No business will be transacted during the Liturgy and Panakhyda. Any individuals conducting unauthorized sales will be removed from the property.

The Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, the clergy and the Office of Youth Ministry encourage children and youth of our Holy Metropolia to enrich their lives by participating with their parents and family members in the various liturgical services, especially the Holy Mystery of Confession and the Holy Eucharist during this year’s Holy Pilgrimage. Youth activities scheduled for Sunday, May 4 will emphasize a relationship based on our relationship to Christ.

All other Panakhydy (Memorial Services) are permitted only after the conclusion of the above Panakhyda at the Great Cross.

PLEASE NOTE: MEMORIAL SERVICES ARE NOT PERMITTED DURING BRIGHT WEEK - MONDAY TO FRIDAY (20 APRIL - 24 APRIL,  2009). THESE DAYS ARE RESERVED FOR GRAVE CLEANING AND CEMETERY PREPARATION FOR ST. THOMAS SUNDAY (PROVIDNA NEDILA).

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