New Skete pilgrimage marks 40 years of monastic witness

New Skete Monastery, Cambridge, NY

CAMBRIDGE, NY [OCA Communications/New Skete] — In celebration of 40 years of monastic witness, the New Skete monastic communities here are hosting their annual pilgrimage on Friday and Saturday, August 11-12, 2006.

Pilgrims will be greeted by the new entrance area at New Skete Monastery, created to express the core monastic value of hospitality and enhance the overall welcoming atmosphere of the monastery. Two flights of steps have been replaced by a gradual ramp, which facilitates access for all, and a series of meditation gardens.

A presentation on the history of New Skete will be given on Friday at 3:45 p.m., followed by Vespers at 5:00. Saturday’s events begin with Matins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 9:30.

Two talks will be given on Saturday afternoon. The Very Rev. Alexis Vinogradov will speak on “Alexander Schmemann and New Skete: Road to Orthodoxy.” Fr. Robert Arida and Dr. Roberta Ervine will speak on “Liturgy at New Skete: Roots in Jerusalem and the Great Church of Constantinople.”

Exhibits, tours, and a variety of demonstrations are planned throughout the day. Special activities for young people will include hiking, dog training, and conversation with monastics. An array of delicious ethnic foods, the nuns’ cheesecakes, and delicious baked goods from the chapel community will be available for purchase on Saturday.

The pilgrimage will end on Saturday with the celebration of the Vigil at 5:00 p.m. All visitors are welcome.

For more information, contact Vera Beecroft at 518-753-4877 or Anna Chapman at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).