Western Saints Pilgrimage 2026

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Created on Sunday, 11 October 2026 20:19

Rediscovering the Saints of the West

What happens when Orthodox Christians journey to the ancient holy places of Western Europe, venerate the relics of the saints, and discover the spiritual lives of those who came before them?

Join Metropolitan Demetrius of America as he journeys through Great Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany, sharing the extraordinary lives of saints whose holiness, ascetic struggles, miracles, and devotion to Christ have left an enduring spiritual legacy.

Walking in the Footsteps of the Orthodox Saints of Western Europe

Among the holy places and saints featured are:
St. Cuthbert and St. Aidan — Their lives reveal the importance of asceticism, prayer, and quiet time with God.
St. Bede — The pilgrims visit his tomb and learn about his account of St. Cuthbert's life.
St. Marcouf and St. Samson of Dol — Saints whose holy places preserve the memory of their lives and spiritual struggles.
St. Martin of Tours — The pilgrims venerate the resting place of the saint who gave half his cloak to a beggar and later experienced a vision of Christ.
St. Genevieve, St. Clair, and St. Julian — Encounters with ancient churches, tombs, and places associated with the saints.
The Mother of God — A moving visit to venerate her veil, and another encounter with a miraculous icon.

Drawing Closer to Christ Through His Saints

The pilgrimage concludes with a reflection on the purpose of venerating the saints:

“That really is the reason we venerate the saints, because they guide us and direct us and help us to draw closer to Christ.”

Experience the sacred places, the history, the personal encounters, and the spiritual blessings of this Orthodox Christian pilgrimage through Western Europe.

Orthodox Awareness

A Miracle of Saint Spyridon

This miracle of Saint Spyridon took place in Mandra, Greece in 1926.

It was 12/25 December, 1926. The state Church of Greece adopted the Papal calendar and with the help of the Greek government persecuted all those who did not accept the Papal calendar. The faithful Orthodox Christians of Mandra woke up and headed to their Church to celebrate the Feast of Saint Spyridon. When they reached the Church they saw that the door to the Church had been secured with chains and the faithful could not enter. Before leaving the Church to return to their homes they stuck their candles on the door. As soon as the last person placed his candles on the door

the chains broke and fell. The faithful, confirmed in their Faith, entered the Church and celebrated the Feast of Saint Spyridon.

The miracle was reported the next day by the newspaper Skrip.

Missions

Saint Matthew the Evangelist, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Jonesboro is a town located near the Eastern border of Arkansas, with a population of approximately 60,000. From a human standpoint, it’s not the most likely candidate for a traditional Orthodox mission, but for an Orthodox Christian who orders his priorities around Christ and His Church, it makes perfect sense. Read more...

Youth

2026 Youth Conference

Please join us for the 2026 youth conference in Upper Marlboro, MD! To learn more, visit the this page.

Ask A Priest

Is the GOC Insular?

Q. In considering becoming part of the GOC in America, I am getting warnings from various circles that the attitude of GOC people is that of being “walled off,” “arrogant,” “judgmental,” and “in your face” toward those not in the Genuine Orthodox Church, with accusations such as “World Orthodox” priests are “not even Christians” and the like. Could you give me your personal, realistic assessment of this dynamic and possibly refer me to an official statement on how GOC members should and do relate to and communicate with those in “World Orthodoxy”? Read more...