A Look at the 2025 Pilgrimage

By Karen Gladstone

Whether it was your 20th New Skete Pilgrimage or your first, everyone was welcomed! For many, this annual event is a tradition that gives individuals and families the opportunity to come together from near and far to share in a special day of community.

It was perfect August weather: warm, dry, and not a cloud in the sky. The thin breeze barely shook the pop-up tents that dotted the circular drive surrounding the Transfiguration Chapel. Their shade provided welcome cover for volunteers, guests, and baked goods alike.

The hot sun shone on the procession of pilgrims, clergy, and choir members as they made their way from the lush meditation garden to the coolness of the Holy Wisdom church for Liturgy.

A common sentiment heard throughout this day was “Being at New Skete brings me such peace…as soon as I start the drive up the road, I feel a calmness.” It’s as if New Skete itself is granting permission to slow down, unplug, and refocus.

From the savory Greek Power Bowls provided by New Skete to the delicious baked goods and beverages prepared by the Chapel Community, the busy hands of many volunteers ensured that the approximately 100 people in attendance were well taken care of throughout the day. The large festive tent on the front lawn allowed folks to gather, share a meal, and catch up with friends, both old and new.

In attendance was Dr. Teva Regule, who shared with me her insights on the presentation by Fr. Geoffrey Ready:

Fr. Geoffrey talked about how we are formed as Christians and used the analogy of a 5-act play—Act 1 is the time of creation, Act 2 is the history of the Hebrew peoples' relationship with their God as the chosen people, Act 3 is the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, Act 4 includes the time of the Church and the work of the Holy Spirit, and Act 5 is when all will be in harmony with the will of God. We are in Act 4. While our lives are an improvisation, they are not random or without direction. Just like experienced actors whose improvisation is built on hours of past practice, the improvisation of our lives is built on what has come before. Our lives as Christians are grounded and shaped by the past, but with a view to the future (i.e., Act 5). Our lives have a telos (i.e., purpose), and we live our lives and make our decisions based on this direction. In short, we live between memory and hope. CLICK HERE to listen to Fr. Geoffrey’s presentation.

Fr. Geoffrey Ready's presentation in Holy Wisdom Church

Dr. Regule serves as the immediate past president of the Orthodox Theological Society in America (OTSA) and is an adjunct professor of Theology at Boston College. She is a long-time friend and ambassador to New Skete, as well as the visionary for the inaugural Pilgrimage in 2005. She continues to bring together many people from her parish at St. Mary Orthodox Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, New Skete, particularly for the Pilgrimage. The "helping hands" they provide throughout the day assist in making the event possible.

Group from Saint Mary Orthodox Church in Cambridge, MA

Even with the temperature close to 90 degrees, Br. Brennan’s enthusiasm for teaching folk dance was contagious. From his festive costume to his clear direction and encouragement, he had those in attendance on their feet learning more than dance steps. From Br. Brennan:

Brother Brennan leads attendees in folk dance instruction

There are many kinds of dance which have evolved for many different purposes. The simple line and circle dances of the Balkans and other eastern Christian cultures are vestigial “sacred” (even “liturgical”) dances from pre-Christian times. These have not only survived into the Christian era. They remain important components of Christian cultural life, danced always for Christian festal occasions like feast days, baptisms, name days, and weddings. Additionally, inherited from (and still shared with) our Jewish forebears, most are simple and repetitious, so that they are accessible to nearly everyone. … there is something more to it—a spirituality, perhaps, that is both incarnational and communal.”

Following the session, many folks expressed their hope that dancing would be at Pilgrimage again next year.

The last demonstration of the day shifted focus from joyous music and movement to the unique and intriguing artistry known as Pysanky. Area artist Christine Levy not only showed examples of her beautiful finished work but also provided generous insight to the rich history, tradition, and process of creating one of these inimitable pieces:

Christine Levy demonstrating Pysanky to attendees

Decorating eggs, an ancient ritual going back to pagan times, took on deep religious meaning when Ukraine adopted Christianity in 988 AD. The decorated egg became an Easter tradition as the ancient pagan beliefs were adopted into the Christian celebration. Pysanky designs are symbolic, and the egg is often given as a gift to loved ones. Most all eastern European countries decorate Easter Eggs in some form; however, in Ukraine, the art of pysanky has been elevated to a national art form. The religious significance and cultural importance of pysanky has a long history with Ukrainians. Creating a pysanka is mesmerizing, almost magical; the colors are applied from light to dark, which is the reverse of most art work. In the final step, the egg is completely black and, when heated, all the brilliant colors are revealed and the elaborate design is seen for the first time. You never know how it will look until the last step, which is very surprising and rewarding.

From start to finish, this beautiful day was marked with welcoming smiles, hearts full of prayer, and people respectfully listening, learning, and sharing. It was truly an event for everyone, whether gathering in the company of many, sharing thoughts one on one, or finding the perfect solitary seat to quietly replenish the spirit. The 2025 New Skete Pilgrimage came to a peaceful close with Vespers and a healing service. Please save the date for next year’s Pilgrimage: Saturday, August 8, 2026.

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