From Monday the 12th through Friday the 16th of May, parishioners of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ made a pilgrimage to Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV. The pilgrimage was led by cathedral rector Archpriest Serge Lukianov. The pilgrims were greeted by the brethren of the monastery. The beautiful nature at the monastery ‒ located far from any large cities ‒ the quiet, prayerful services, the delicious monastery food, and the sincere hospitality filled the pilgrims’ hearts with grace.

Father Serge and cathedral cleric Priest Anthony Williams served panihida at the grave of the recently reposed Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon (Voepel), longtime abbot of the monastery, and celebrated Liturgy twice. All of the pilgrims made their confessions and received Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

On the return trip, the pilgrims stopped at Christ the Savior Church in Wayne, whose rector, Archpriest Jonah Campbell, is a good friend of the cathedral. The parish is actively involved in missionary and educational work. The church operates a food pantry called "Good Samaritan" and a European grocery store.

Joyful and spiritually fulfilled, the pilgrims returned home, thanking God for the wonderful pilgrimage.