From June 13 to 16, the VI All-American Youth Pilgrimage brought together clergy and faithful from across America. Over 700 people from 17 states gathered at the parish of the Protection of the Mother of God in Parma, Ohio. The event marked the 40th anniversary of Patriarch Joseph Slipyy’s death, with his words, “Faith and science are the wings that elevate the human spirit into boundless expanses,” serving as the guiding theme.
Each day began with the Divine Liturgy, led by bishops Bohdan Danylo, Benedict Aleksiychuk, and Paul Chomnytsky, alongside about 20 priests from various eparchies and their parishioners.
Highlights included Friday’s panel discussion on mental and spiritual health led by Father Pavlo Drozdjak, psychiatrist Donna Dobrovolsky, and Martha Sayuni, followed by reflective sessions in small groups. The program also offered spiritual enrichment through scriptural reflections, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and prayers near relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Saint Josaphat Kuntsevych. The day concluded with a candlelit procession and the Akathist to the Zarvanytsia Mother of God, evoking memories of pilgrimages to Zarvanytsia with the song “From the City of Kyiv.”
Saturday morning featured a pilgrimage walk for youth groups aged 10-15 and 16-25, accompanied by clergy from the Philadelphia Metropolia. Approximately 160 young participants pondered their personal journeys to God during the walk.
The second panel discussion focused on “Self-identity and Assertion of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic in Emigration,” emphasizing the preservation of identity, language, and customs. Alongside spiritual activities, there were sports competitions, spiritual quizzes, children’s games, bonfires, and songs.
Saturday evening’s highlights included the Prayer of Glory and a concert where attendees shared their God-given talents. A heartfelt moment was a video greeting from Ukraine, bringing warm wishes and encouragement.
On Sunday, after the Divine Liturgy, lunch, and a children’s thanksgiving concert, Bishop Bohdan Danylo blessed the attendees for a safe journey home. He encouraged them to carry their spiritual experiences back to their communities, embodying Christ for all they meet.
