New Skete announces plans for August 11 Pilgrimage

CAMBRIDGE, NY [NEW SKETE/OCA]
10/6/2012

The monastic communities and the chapel community members of New Skete will host their annual summer Pilgrimage Saturday, August 11, 2012.

The day will start with Matins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. For first-time visitors to the monastery or those looking to learn more about New Skete, Brother Stavros, one of the founding monks, will conduct a tour of the churches at 11:00 a.m., giving a lecture on their history and the saints depicted on the walls.

Events throughout the day include a food court serving ethnic and traditional fare, a photo exhibit of New Skete life, self-guided garden tours, and children’s activities on the lawn. The gift shops at both the monks’ and the nuns’ monasteries will be open.

Other events for the day include a 1:00 p.m. hike with NY State Forest Ranger Michael Bodnar, a 2:30 p.m. gardening question-and-answer conversation with Sister Melanie, a 2:30 p.m. puppy socialization demonstration, and a 3:15 p.m. dog training demonstration.

This year’s guest speaker is Dr. Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald, a theologian and licensed psychologist. A noted author and lecturer on Orthodox spirituality, she is the founder and coordinator of Saint Catherine’s Vision, an association of Orthodox women theologians. Her presentation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and includes the topic of her recent book, “Persons in Communion: A Theology of Authentic Relationships.”

The day will conclude with a Healing Service with Anointing at 4:00 p.m. and Vespers at 5:00 p.m.

The site of the pilgrimage is at the monks’ monastery at 250 New Skete Lane, Cambridge, NY. The nuns’ monastery and gift shop is located at 343 Ashgrove Road, Cambridge, NY. For more information on New Skete Communities, including future events, tours and retreats, please visit www.newskete.org or logon www.facebook.com/newskete.

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