Zemplínska Šírava, Slovakia, September 22, 2025
Photo: Michalovce-Košice Diocese
More than 90 pilgrims gathered on Saturday, September 20, for the 5th annual procession to the ruins of a chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross at the foot of Mount Senderov above Zemplínska Šírava in eastern Slovakia.
The pilgrimage, organized by the Michalovce-Košice Diocese of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, began at Lake Vinianske and continued along a forest path to the chapel site. His Eminence Archbishop Juraj blessed the start of the pilgrimage and celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by diocesan clergy, the diocese reports.
According to the Czech edition of the Union of Orthodox Journalists, the procession drew a record number of pilgrims this year.
Faithful from various parts of the diocese participated in the event. Each pilgrim carried a cross during the journey, which they offered to the Lord in prayer.
In his sermon, Abp. Juraj highlighted the significance of the location, describing it as a place sanctified by prayer from which most of the diocese is visible. He emphasized the celebration of the Holy Cross, to which the site was once dedicated and where a cross has stood over Lower Zemplín for decades. The hierarch encouraged all present to carry their personal crosses with courage and confidence in Christ’s victory, symbolized by the sign of the Holy Cross.
Photo: Michalovce-Košice Diocese
The service concluded with the blessing of kolivo and the breaking of a festive slava bread in memory of the Holy Cross. Pilgrims received the blessing of the Lord’s Cross that had accompanied them throughout the journey and was displayed for veneration during the entire Liturgy. They also received blessings from the gifts that the Lord provided in His generosity.
Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
