More Than 700 Pilgrims in the U. S. Pray for Ukraine and Reflect on Their Vocation Within God’s Plan
The 8th Pan-American Youth Pilgrimage of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church concluded in Parma, Michigan (USA). The event took place from June 11 to 14 and brought together more than 700 young pilgrims from the United States and Canada. Held under the theme “Your Vocation Within God’s Plan,” the pilgrimage provided four days of prayer, spiritual growth, fellowship, and reflection on one’s vocation.
Among those who prayed with the young people were Bishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan of Philadelphia; Bishop Bohdan Danylo of Parma; Bishop Venedykt Aleksiychuk of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago; Bishop Paul Chomnytsky of Stamford; and Bishop Bryan Bayda of Toronto, who is also chairman of the Patriarchal Commission on Youth Affairs.
In a statement to the UGCC Information Department, Bishop Bohdan Danylo explained that this year’s pilgrimage closely followed the preparations for the Great Synod of Bishops of the UGCC, scheduled for July. According to him, the central theme was vocation, which helps young people reflect more deeply on their lives in the light of God’s plan.
“Over the past few days, we have spoken extensively about those who feel called to the consecrated and priestly life. At the same time, we have also discussed every Christian’s calling to love, responsibility, and holiness in daily life. The Church today strives especially to be close to young people who are seeking answers to life’s important questions,” said Bishop Bohdan.
On the final day of the pilgrimage, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, together with the clergy and young people, recorded a video message addressed to the faithful and clergy of the UGCC, as well as to all Ukrainians. He expressed words of support and solidarity with the people of Ukraine amid the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war and assured them of spiritual unity.
“Your Beatitude, dear bishops, most reverend fathers, venerable sisters and brothers, the youth of Ukraine, our dear defenders, brothers and sisters in Christ, each of whom holds their own front and stands at their own checkpoints. We wish to bear witness before the Lord to our constant spiritual solidarity with you. We are inspired by your endurance, mutual love, deep spirit of service, and self-sacrifice. Today, Ukraine is the epicenter of the defense of God-given human dignity. These young people gathered here bow their heads before your sacrifice and, above all, before the Lord, with the certainty that God’s truth will prevail,” said the metropolitan.
The pilgrimage program featured spiritual talks, Divine Liturgies, the Jesus Prayer, the Glorification and Taizé prayers, spiritual quiz competitions, testimonies from people of various vocations, hiking trips, a bonfire accompanied by Ukrainian songs, as well as sports and cultural events. Participants paid special attention to praying for Ukraine, its defenders, and a just peace.
