West Milford, N.J. — Faithful gathered Saturday, August 15, at Holy Institution Panagia Soumela in West Milford for Great Vespers and the opening day of the annual August pilgrimage and paniyiri.
The service began at 6 p.m. at the shrine on Marshall Hill Road, where worshippers marked the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. For Pontian Greeks, the August observance at Panagia Soumela carries a direct connection to the religious traditions of Pontos and the historic monastery from which the institution takes its name.
The gathering continued after Vespers with Pontian and Greek music, food and an evening paniyiri across the grounds. Families and visitors spent the afternoon and evening at the West Milford site, with the Saturday program continuing until 11 p.m.