The Greek Pontians of America and Canada have their own “Megalohari” (of great grace), the Soumela, a small and symbolic representation of their country on Appalachian mountains, in West Milford, New Jersey.
This year, after two months of preparation, everything is ready for the pilgrimage and the celebrations that start today and will finish on Sunday.
There is a special interest this year according to what said to the ‘National Herald’ the president of the Holy Institution, Mr. Haralampos Vassiliadis.
“This is the first time that the celebration will take place the same time in Panagia Soumela in Trabzon of Turkey, in Panagia Soumela in Vermion, Greece and in Panagia Soumela of New Jersey”.
The followers will go by buses that will start form the Pontian Club ‘Komnini’ in New York, from the Cretan House in Astoria, the Pontian Society “Pontos” in Connecticut and from the Pontian Society “Akrites” in Philadelphia.
This evening will start the traditional pontian celebrations, after the evening divine liturgy and the procession of the icon. The celebrations will be accompanied by the traditional pontian musical instrument “lira” and many tasty pies.
On Sunday morning, after the divine liturgy, the traditional celebrations will start with the increased participation of young people every year.
The history of “Panagia Soumela”
The Holy Foundation “Panagia Soumela Pontion Amerikis, Inc.” was founded in 1982 in order to rebirth the pilgrimage, the 15th of August. The “Holy Institution Panagia Soumela” was founded many years later, in 2005. The institutions bought a ground in West Milford of New Jersey. In this place there is a Christian church, a cultural center and a house.
In spring, the hagiography of the church finished and now, there is the “Platitera”, the archangels and the saints. There is also a faldstool for the icon of “Panagia Soumela”, a copy of the icon of Evangelist Loucas. There is also a bishop throne. All these are bought by the sponsorships of the Greek American people.
The institution has its own site: www.PanagiaSoumela.org
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