August 16, 2013 – West Milford, NJ – This weekend, the Holy Institution of Panagia Soumela in West Milford, NJ, will host its annual August 15th festival and liturgy, honoring the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. While this feast is celebrated worldwide on August 15, the Pontian community of North America and the Holy Institution of Panagia Soumela will hold their three-day observance from August 16–18.
The highlight of the weekend is the Sunday Divine Liturgy and festival, part of a tradition celebrated in three locations worldwide, all named after the historic Panagia Soumela Monastery in Trabzon, Turkey.
Nestled in the scenic hills of West Milford, the New Jersey site was chosen to reflect the setting of the original monastery, a sacred place for the Black Sea Pontian Greek community, which thrived in the region for thousands of years.
All are welcome to attend and take part in the weekend’s services, cultural events, and celebrations.
Holy Institution Panagia Soumela Pontion Amerikis
253 Marshall Hill Road, West Milford, NJ 07480
Mailing Address: PO Box 5232, Astoria, NY 11105
Tel: 646-246-4455 (Helen Kyrillidis) | 917-488-0507 (Haralambos Vasiliadis)
Email: PanagiaSoumelaNJ@gmail.com
Website: panagiasoumela.org