Eparchial pilgrimage to the pilgrim’s place in Altoiting took place

On Sunday, September 27, 2009, in the town of Altoiting (Germany), the eparchial pilgrimage to the miraculous statue of the Mother of God “Black Madonna” took place. The hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Church of Saint Conrad was led by the Reverend Bishop Peter (Kryk), in concelebration of fathers: Bohdan Pidlisetskyj, Lyubomyr Fedorak, Andrey Dmytryk, Fr. Mykola Hornykevych from Austria, and Deacon Otto. The Pokrov Choir, lead by of Stanislav Chuenka, sang at the Mass. In the sermon Bishop Peter greeted all the pilgrims who arrived not only from Munich and surrounding villages but also from Austria and Australia. In regards to  the Jubilee of 50th anniversary of the Eparchy in Germany and Scandinavia, the bishop said in particular, it includes 12 parishes to which belong newly arrived Ukrainians. Besides, he thanked all those who helped in the Church’s civil work throughout the year and said that "the German pastors and guests who were present at the Jubilee celebrations on September 18-20 were impressioned.” He also wished further development and growth to the Eparchy.   After the prayer service a ceremonial procession was led by the bishop with the clergy to the chapel, where the miraculous black statue of the “Black Madonna” is located. The prayer service before Maria’s Chapel was sung by the all those present, under the lead of Stanislav Chuenk and singers of the Pokrov choir. Background Information: Some say that the statue became black from the smoke of millions of candles, which burned there throughout the years. Another legend has it that there was once a fire in the town and all was burned down except for the statue of the Mother of God, which became black. Consequently the city was rebuilt, and around the chapel appeared new larger and smaller churches, and the Basilica. In 1984, in the Basilica, a memorial sculpture of Pope John Paul II was unveiled, which was done by the Ukrainian artist Leonid Molodozhanyn from Canada. marichka2.multiply.com/journal/item/115/115

Information Department of the UGCC