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Archbishop Daniel leads Annual Transfiguration Pilgrimage

August 7, 2026 · 1 min read

ELLWOOD CITY, PA [DOM] – August 5 and 6, clergy, monastics, and faithful gathered at the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA, for its annual pilgrimage and the celebration of its patronal feast, the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. At the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest presided over the festal services.

The pilgrimage began on Wednesday evening, August 5, with the celebration of the Festal Vigil. Pilgrims gathered with the monastery sisterhood in prayer as the Church entered into the joy of the Great Feast and commemorated Christ’s glorious Transfiguration upon Mount Tabor.

On Thursday morning, August 6, the celebration continued with the Akathist “Glory to God for All Things,” followed by a procession and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania concelebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Archbishop Daniel. Many clergy and faithful representing several dioceses of the Orthodox Church in America were in attendance, including the…

Source: Diocese of the Midwest · Read the full story →

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Alexandre Laurent

I really liked that the Akathist “Glory to God for all things” was sung just before the procession, it fits the celebration perfectly. It’s a shame that the article stops in the middle of the list of dioceses represented, I would have liked to know if any pilgrims from our region had come. Thank you for this report.

Timothy Baker

Good to hear Archbishop Daniel presided and that Archbishop Melchisedek concelebrated the Liturgy with him. The Akathist right before the procession does fit the feast nicely, like Alexandre said. Too bad the article cuts off—I'd also like to know if anyone from our Midwest parishes made the trip.

Matthew Scott

I liked that they started the morning with the Akathist “Glory to God for All Things” right before the procession too—it really sets the right tone for Transfiguration. Good to see Archbishop Melchisedek concelebrating with Archbishop Daniel; both of them have been to our Pittsburgh parishes over the years. Too bad the article got cut off before naming all the dioceses.

Αναστασία Μιχαηλίδου

Good thing they started the morning with Akathistos "Doxa to Theo pi pasi" right before the procession, it fits very well with the Transfiguration. I am glad that Archbishop Daniel presbyter and Melchizedek co-officiate; both have passed through our area. It's a shame that the article is being cut, I would like to see if there was anyone from Heraklion or from Greece in general.

Наталія Марченко

I am glad that Archbishop Daniil led the service, and before the procession they sang "Thank God for everything" - it really fits the holiday. It is a pity that the article was cut short, it would be interesting to know if there were pilgrims from our parishes in Pennsylvania.

Nikola Todorović

It's nice that they sang the Akathist "Glory to God for all" right before the procession, it goes really well with the Transfiguration. I am glad that Bishop Danilo led and Melchizedek served. Too bad the article got cut, I'd like to know if there were any of our Midwesterners.

Xenia Davis

I remember that Akathist really does set a grateful tone—my daughter and I sang it last year at our parish feast and it stuck with me. Nice to hear both archbishops together again; Archbishop Daniel visited our Chicago deanery just this spring. Did you make it out to Ellwood City this time?

Photini Brown

I always thought that Akathist fit the day perfectly too — those lines about light and creation hit different on Transfiguration. Glad both archbishops were there; Archbishop Melchisedek served at our Denver cathedral a couple years back and the choir still talks about it. Did the nuns put out their usual honey jars after Liturgy?

Леся Бойко

Yes, "Thank God for everything" before the procession is very appropriate, especially on the Transfiguration. We also had parishioners from Odesa who went, the daughter of an acquaintance told that after the liturgy they all had lunch together on the grass. And do you know whose parishes were from Pennsylvania?