PILGRIMAGE TO RAWDON

This year we are resuming our good tradition and organizing a PILGRIMAGE TO RAWDON, Quebec.

The pilgrimage will take place on October 10-13, on the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend

This is a wonderful opportunity to pray together, venerate the holy relics, spend joyful and blessed time with the parishioners of our church and other Orthodox Christians in the place where several generations of Orthodox believers have prayed. And all of this against the backdrop of amazingly beautiful nature.

Rawdon is located in the picturesque forested foothills 50 kilometers north of Montreal. In this town there are three Orthodox churches, a Russian émigré cemetery, and the Transfiguration of the Lord Hermitage built by monks. One of the churches houses a particle of the relics of the holy patron of our parish, the Blessed Seraphim of Sarov. Brought out of Russia by Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna and subsequently given to Bishop Silvester, Archbishop of Montreal, this particle provided help from Heavens to believers at the time when the main part of Saint Seraphim's relics in our homeland was thought lost. In addition, there are relics of other saints, including the holy new martyr Grand Duchess Elizaveta Feodorovna.

We will attend the liturgy in the church, where those who wish can receive communion and venerate the relics of Saint Seraphim. Then we will visit the Hermitage and the old Russian cemetery. A visit to the nearby Greek Orthodox monastery of Virgin Mary the Consolatory is also possible, and (weather permitting) a walk by the waterfalls and visits to other local attractions.

This year we have again reserved the beautiful house that we enjoyed so much during our pilgrimage in 2023, a spacious one, with a fireplace and terrace, right on the lake and just 10 or 15 minutes' drive from all the pilgrimage places and the town centre. The accommodation is in separate rooms for 2-4 people or families. We will have an equipped kitchen at our disposal, as well as a sauna, a jacuzzi, and a barbecue.

Those wishing to go please contact parish secretary Tatiana at stseraphim.ca@gmail.com. The number of places is limited, so it's better to apply as early as possible. The cost of the trip includes accommodation and main meals.

Departure is possible on Friday, October 10, or Saturday, October 11 (this does not affect the cost). We travel in our own cars, carpooling with all the pilgrims (3-4 people per car). Return to Toronto is planned on Monday, but you can leave earlier by arrangement with a driver.

Read about the experience of the pilgrims who traveled with us in the past

We ask everyone who is interested in going to fill out the form located at the bottom of this page as soon as possible.

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     The cost of the trip includes accommodation and main meals (dinner on Saturday, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Sunday, breakfast on Monday).

     One person - $300

     Two people in one bed (spouses or parent with child) – $550

     Two people in one bed in a private room (subject to availability) – $600

     Family with children in a private room (subject to availability) – $800

     Discount for youth (up to 30 years old) - 10%.

     WHEN PAYING BEFORE JULY 1!!! ADDITIONAL 10% DISCOUNT FOR EVERYBODY!!!

**Although these prices ($70-$100 per day per person) are very reasonable by today's standards, we understand that not all parishioners can afford to pay the full amount. For those who truly need it, we will try to offset a part of the cost, but we cannot guarantee this, since it will depend on the generosity of other parishioners. Therefore, we call on all who can donate additional funds for this to show this generosity, so no one who really wants to go is left behind. For those who fully or partially pay for another pilgrim, we will issue an appropriate Tax Receipt.**

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If you want to go, please copy this form, fill it out and send it to stseraphim.ca@gmail.com

Name and surname ____________________________________________________________

Number of pilgrims: adults_______ children________

Phone ___________________________ E-mail ____________________________________

Departure time (you can choose one or both)          Friday  Saturday

I need transportation (___ person(s))         I can give a lift to someone in my car (___ person(s))

Additional information ____________________________________________________