Pilgrimage at St. Josaphat Monastery in Glen Cove, NY

On Sunday, June 7, as we honored All Saints of the Ukraine, the traditional pilgrimage took place at St. Josaphat’s Monastery in Glen Cove. This pilgrimage is held annually on the first Sunday of June in honor of Christ the Lover of Mankind – the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

For the occasion, our local Basilian Priests from nearby monasteries and residences gathered at the cradle of the Basilian Order in the United States, including religious from St. George Monastery in New York City and from the Holy Cross Residence in Astoria. Our priests were available to hear confessions and assisted in preparing the faithful through the Sacrament of Confession, so that they could receive Holy Communion at the Divine Liturgy.

It was especially heartwarming to welcome the many pilgrims who came, not only from parishes served by the Basilian Fathers, but also from surrounding city parishes and even neighboring States.

The Solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Most Reverend Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, Eparch of Stamford. Concelebrating with him were Fr. Basil Salkovski, OSBM, Provincial Superior of the Basilian Province of the Dormition of the Mother of God in the United States, and Fr. Philip Sandrick, OSBM, Superior of St. Josaphat Monastery in Glen Cove. In his homily, Bishop Paul emphasized the importance of the Most Holy Eucharist in the life of the Church and in the life of every Christian.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Ihumen Superior thanked Bishop Paul – who, incidentally, began his monastic vocation in the Basilian Order at this very monastery. Father Ihumen thanked the bishop for presiding over the pilgrimage services and for addressing the faithful with his pastoral message. Fr. Philip also welcomed all the pilgrims and thanked them for their participation. Afterwards, Bishop Paul blessed the water and sprinkled the faithful.

Following the first part of the spiritual program, the faithful had an opportunity to strengthen themselves physically as well by enjoying delicious traditional Ukrainian dishes and taking a brief rest.

After lunch, Fr. Oleksiy Horobets, OSBM, Provincial Secretary, led the Stations of the Cross for Ukraine. Together, all prayed for the long-suffering Ukrainian people and asked God to bring the war in Ukraine to a swift conclusion through the victory of the Ukrainian people and a just peace.

Following the Stations of the Cross, Fr. Terentiy Khomyshyn, OSBM, parochial vicar at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church in New York City, celebrated the Moleben to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and delivered a homily in Ukrainian. Afterwards, Fr. Philip Sandrick, OSBM, preached in English.

In his homily, Fr. Terentiy reflected on the revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the context of contemporary events and the current situation in

Ukraine and throughout the world. God does not desire suffering or war on earth. Every evil in the world results from human choice and is a consequence of that choice. The Lord grants every good gift and is Himself the source of all goodness. Humanity is called to accept Godʼs gift into its life and become a participant in His love and mercy.

After the homily, Fr. Philip addressed the faithful briefly in English and also informed them that an international congress dedicated to Divine Mercy was taking place in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Participants from around the world had gathered there, many of whom shared personal testimonies about how Godʼs love and mercy work in peopleʼs lives, especially in the lives of those who endure various trials and sufferings.

At the conclusion of the pilgrimage services, the faithful returned to their homes spiritually renewed and uplifted.

May the Lord hear our prayers and supplications, grant His peace to Ukraine and to the whole world, and bless our Province in the United States with good, fervent, and holy vocations.

Fr. Yosafat-Andriy Koval, OSBM