On June 29, nearly one thousand pilgrims from the Ivano-Frankivsk region and western Ukraine gathered at the Pilgrimage Center of Blessed Hieromartyr Simeon Lukach in Starunia for the monthly prayer vigil.
The pilgrims came to pray through the intercession of Blessed Simeon Lukach, asking God to bless their families and, above all, to grant peace and a just victory for Ukraine.
This month’s pilgrimage was led by Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago.
The prayer program began with Vespers in the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, celebrated by Bishop Benedict together with Fr. Taras Putko, Rector of the Ivano-Frankivsk Theological Seminary. The seminary choir provided the liturgical music.
After Vespers, the faithful took part in the Blessing of Water at the spring of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and then prayed the Stations of the Cross as they walked up Starunia Hill, reflecting on Christ’s Passion.
In his spiritual reflection, Bishop Benedict encouraged everyone to place their trust in God, even during life’s greatest trials. He reminded the pilgrims that God is present in every circumstance of our lives and that suffering should never be seen as God’s punishment.
Quoting the words of St. John, “God is love,” Bishop Benedict emphasized that God never abandons His children. He invited the faithful to come before the Lord with honesty, without hiding behind masks or pretending to be someone they are not.
The Bishop also encouraged everyone to discover their God-given vocation and remember that holiness is possible for every Christian. Reflecting on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, he noted that they became saints because they accepted God’s call despite their weaknesses and struggles.
The evening continued with prayers for healing, followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, concelebrated with priests of the Ivano-Frankivsk Archeparchy. Many pilgrims received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
During his homily, Bishop Benedict reflected on Christ’s question to His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” He encouraged the faithful not only to know the right answers about God, but to build a personal relationship with Him through faith, trust, and sincere prayer.
The pilgrimage concluded with prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, allowing the faithful to receive a plenary indulgence, and with the singing of the hymn “God the Great, the One and Only,” as pilgrims once again prayed for peace, justice, and God’s protection for Ukraine.