66thAnnual Holy Dormition/Assumption Pilgrimage 2020
A Virtual Experience due to the Covid -19 Pandemic

Dear Pilgrims,
Due to the pandemic, our 66th Annual Holy Dormition/Assumption Pilgrimage will be a very different experience for you, our pilgrims, as well as for our Sisters and Clergy. Although physically separated from one another, we will remain “united” under the Omophor of the Mother of God, who we honor each year at this time. The holy grounds of Sloatsburg will be barren of pilgrims standing in lines for Confession, for the Healing of the Sick, for the spiritual nourishment of the Holy Eucharist, as well as standing in line for pyrohy and holubchi.

However, the Sisters Servants hope to fill that “pilgrimage void” by coming into your homes through live-streaming the Divine Liturgies and other services throughout the Pilgrimage week. The theme of this year’s Pilgrimage is “Mother of Tenderness, be our Strength.” If there was ever a time in our country and our world when we need the tenderness and strength of Our Lord and the Theotokos to help us respect, care for and support each other, it is NOW, during these challenging times! Listed in this Special Issue, are the schedule of Pilgrimage services and the access links to them. We have also provided you with a form so that you may request a Divine Liturgy and/or light a candle for your special intentions. The request forms will also be available on-line on our website: www.ssmi-us.org.

Sister Kathleen Hutsko, SSMI Provincial Superior