SOUTH CANAAN TWP. - On the final day of the 109th Memorial Day Pilgrimage to St. Tikhon's Monastery/Seminary, several visitors pointed to the importance of people of faith coming together.
"We've met Egyptian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox like us," Brooklyn resident Julian Kollias said. "We've met Russian (Orthodox)."
Father Igumen Sergius, the monastery's abbot, said the Wayne County pilgrimage typically draws "upwards of 1,500 to 2,000 people" over the four days, although the number may have been lower this year.
"If you come here normally, it's quiet, serene and peaceful," Mr. Kollias said. "Today, it's like the whole place transforms. It's festive."
For Daniel Drobish, who directs the St. Vladimir Church choir in Trenton, N.J., the pilgrimage gives him a chance to reconnect with his former classmates from when he studied at St. Tikhon's from 1978 to 1981.
Father Sergius said seven bishops participated in this year's event, which was a significant show of "unity and strength."
Services on Monday included the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, a veterans memorial service, Moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos and anointing of the sick, infirm and all pilgrims.
Numerous travelers solemnly venerated three framed pictures of saints, known as icons, and two relics of St. Tikhon. The icons were framed on a pedestal, and many people like Wilkes-Barre resident Patricia Suhoski, leaned over and kissed their feet during services.
"You humble yourself," Ms. Suhoski said.
Canaan Twp. resident Lorraine Kavalkovich comes to the monastery for the event every year.
"Saints have walked these grounds, and my unworthy feet walk the same grounds," Ms. Kavalkovich said. "The saints can heal physically, emotionally and psychologically."
Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com, @kwindTT on Twitter