NEW YORK: April 23, 2012
Registration Begins for a Youth Pilgrimage to Russia 

The Synodal Youth Department of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia announces the opening of registration for a youth pilgrimage to Russia from July 7-18, 2012, to be headed by His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, Vicar of the Western American Diocese. The event will mark the 5th anniversary of the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.  

The trip will include: 

– Participation in the International Conference “For Life” in Moscow on July 10-12. The event will be opened by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at Christ the Savior Cathedral.  

– Volunteer work at social-assistance programs in Moscow, under the auspices of the Department of Charity and Social Service of the Moscow Patriarchate: orphanages and old-age homes and hospitals, where young men and women will do volunteer work and give concerts. 

– A pilgrimage to Ekaterinburg, to sites relating to the martyrdom of the Royal Family.  

– Participation in a round-table, meetings with various philanthropic foundations, visiting holy sites of Moscow.

In order to be accepted on this pilgrimage, entrants must write an essay on the topic “Five Years of Unity within the Russian Orthodox Church.” The essay is limited to one page. 

Young people ages 18-28 are welcome. Registration is $65, which includes room, board, local transportation and airfare to Ekaterinburg. This fee does NOT cover airfare to Moscow or visa expenses.   

More information can be obtained by contacting Protopriest Andrei Sommer at: rev.a.sommer@synod.com 

Essays should be mailed to:

Protopriest Andrei Sommer
75 E. 93rd Street
New York, NY 10128 

Space is limitied. Registration will close on May 11, 2012.