05-10-2025

Pilgrimage to Saint Servatius in Maastricht

With the blessing of our Archbishop Simon, the parish of St. Matthew the Apostle made a parish trip to the relics of Saint Servatius in the city of Maastricht.

On October 5, a group of 75 pilgrims traveled to Mönchengladbach, Germany, where they celebrated Divine Liturgy jointly with the Orthodox Parish of St. Anthony the Great. This parish was chosen for a reason: its rector, Archpriest Alexei Rybakov, is a classmate at the Theological Seminary of the rector of Leuven, Archpriest Alexander Yavorovsky.

After a shared meal, the pilgrims from the Leuven parish headed to Maastricht. The relics of Saint Servatius rest in a church built on the site of his original burial in 384. The church rector gave our group a thorough historical tour and provided a unique opportunity to visit places not usually open to tourists: the crypt where the saint was buried and the nearby chapel, where pilgrims were able to offer prayers.

It was impossible not to be moved by how deeply this holy place touched the hearts of the participants. Many spoke of the spiritual inspiration and even inner renewal they experienced.

Oh, how bitter it is to realize that sometimes we seek spiritual support far away, while the holy relics that can strengthen us are right nearby - waiting for us to recognize, venerate, and accept them into our lives!

Saint Servatius, Father, pray to God for us sinners!