July 31, 2009
Wayne, WV: Important Notice from Bishop George concerning the Pilgrimage Weekend at Holy Cross Monastery in 2009

We regret to inform all of our benefactors and pilgrims that this year's Pilgrimage Weekend, originally scheduled for the last weekend of September, must be cancelled. We know what a great spiritual event this is for so many of you — as it is for us — but circumstances dictated this decision.

The cancellation is the result of a very good and positive development. Some generous benefactors are financing the first major step in building our new church. This project will entail the excavation of the hillside next to the Outdoor Chapel. After the dirt is removed, the hillside will have a professional drainage system installed and will be re-terraced to allow an access road to the ridge. A forest of pine trees and dogwoods will then be planted at the site.

The removal of the hillside and the presence of heavy equipment necessary for this project will temporarily disrupt the area in front of the Outdoor Chapel, making the events planned for Pilgrimage Weekend impossible.

When the project is finished, the area for our new church (the current parking lot) will be extended 30 feet in one direction. This will allow us to lay the foundation for the new church as donations are given. As most of you know, our need for a larger church has become crucial, as the number of pilgrims has increased on Sundays, feast days, and during retreats.

We apologize to all of our friends who have been looking forward to Pilgrimage Weekend this year. Please pray for us as we begin this important construction project and consider making a donation toward the building fund for our new church.

God bless you,
Bishop George and brotherhood

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese