On the weekend of April 1-3, the monastery was visited by a pilgrimage of approximately 50 people from the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Resurrection in Chicago, Illinois.  The group was headed by a priest of the cathedral, the Rev. Nikolaj Kostur, a graduate of our Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary. 

            This was the first such pilgrimage from Chicago.  The pilgrims arrived late Friday evening on a bus, after a long journey with not the best of weather.  They were treated to a light snack before heading for the monastery guesthouse.

            On Saturday they were given a tour of the monastery, the cathedral, the seminary, museum and the monastery workshops.   Saturday morning, evening and Sunday morning, the pilgrims participated in the monastery services and availed themselves of the mysteries of Confession and Holy Communion on Sunday, where their clergy concelebrated with His Grace, Bishop Luke and the monastery clergy. At the end of the service Rev. NikolaJ Kostur presented to  the Monastery,  with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Longin of New Gracanica-Midwest America, a hand painted icon of St. Mardarije of Libertyville with his relics.

            We believe that the pilgrims had an edifying experience, and as per the words of Vladyka Luke, they return again and again.