Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Orthodox pilgrimages start in eastern Poland

12.08.2008


A walk of more than 180 kms lies before Orthodox pilgrims who have started out from the locality of Sokółka for the holy mount of Grabarka, south-east Poland.

Pilgrims carry votive crosses which are then planted on the mountain to symbolize their penance and prayer. Thousands of such crosses stand on the hillside and around the wooden church of the Transfiguration on Grabarka, which since the year 2000 houses an icon of the Virgin Mary donated by monks from Greece.

Grabarka, with its church and convent is the most important Orthodox sanctuary in Poland. The biggest foot pilgrimage to the mountain will leave this Thursday from Białystok, for the observations of the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 18th and 19th.

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