With the blessings of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, on the eve of the Feast Day of the Nativity of the Theotokos, parishioners from Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA, made a prayerful pilgrimage to the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg, PA.

The pilgrimage was led and organized by the Cathedral Parish Priest, Presbyter Nebojsa Varagic, together with the Sunday School Coordinator, Mrs. Milica Surla. Approximately fifteen parishioners gathered at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Saturday morning to embark on the short one-hour journey to the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery. As the faithful arrived, they received a warm welcome from the monastic community, the sisters of the monastery, who greeted them with hospitality characteristic of Orthodox monastic life. 

While the faithful enjoyed well-prepared refreshments, Sister Eupraxia, with faith and love, spoke to the faithful about the history of the monastery and explained in detail the monastic life, together with the hardships and blessings that it entails. Conversations around the table were filled with spiritual encouragement and reminders of the importance of dedicating our lives to God, following the example of the Theotokos, who said “yes” and became the Mother of God.

The faithful had the opportunity to venerate the holy icons, spend time in quiet prayer, and tour the beautiful grounds of the monastery. Before departing the monastery, the faithful were blessed by a delightful lunch prepared and served by the monastic community. To conclude the pilgrimage, Presbyter Nebojsa Varagic expressed his sincere gratitude to the monastic community for opening their arms and hearts to accept the Holy Trinity Cathedral faithful and for gifting them with their sincere hospitality and love.

This pilgrimage was a time of renewal and deepening faith for the parishioners of Holy Trinity Cathedral. As one participant noted, “Today’s trip to the monastery was a special day of fellowship and love of our Orthodox faith. It was a beautiful day in so many ways and a day I will always remember.”