On November 22, 2025, a group of devoted pilgrims retraced the historic route taken by Ukrainian immigrants from McAdoo to Shenandoah, honouring their ancestors’ faith and resilience. The walk, spanning approximately 14 miles, commenced at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and concluded at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, marking a significant cultural and spiritual journey for the participants.
Among the walkers was Christine Harasymczuk, a 72-year-old retired IBM sales executive, who felt a deep connection to her heritage as she walked past the site of the old St. Nicholas colliery. Her grandparents, Dmytro and Matrona Capitula, had once made this same journey to attend services at St. Michael’s, which was the first Ukrainian Catholic Church established in the United States in 1884. “It touches my heart,” Harasymczuk reflected. “They were so deeply steeped in their faith; they walked this road to church in all kinds of weather.”
The event, organised in part to commemorate the sacrifices of Ukrainian families who immigrated to work in the coal mines, attracted around a dozen participants. The group received a blessing from Archpriest Mark Fesniak, pastor of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minersville, before beginning their trek at 08:00.
After a brief lunch at Delano Fire Company No. 1, the walkers proceeded to Mahanoy City, where they continued their journey towards Shenandoah. Carrying a Ukrainian flag, Vladimir Holoviak, 23, led the final segment of the walk along Route 54. One of the event’s organisers, Paula Holoviak, noted that the walk has evolved over the years. Initially dedicated solely to honouring the devout immigrants, it has taken on a new significance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. “We aim to raise awareness of the plight of the Ukrainian people,” she stated.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a tragic toll, with reports indicating that approximately 46,000 Ukrainians have died and 380,000 have been injured since the fighting began. The walk not only serves as a remembrance but also as a fundraiser. Joseph Krushinsky, a consultant from Tamaqua, highlighted that the proceeds support humanitarian efforts facilitated by the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. Through its Healing of Wounds Fund, the archeparchy has raised an impressive $7.2 million for food assistance, medical care, and aid to displaced persons and refugees.
Among the participants were three seniors from Marian Catholic High School: Alex Krapf, Alex Holoviak, and Samuel Farrone. They arrived at St. Michael’s around 14:00, where they were welcomed by Rev. Bohdan Vasyliv, the church’s pastor. The day concluded with a brief service, during which the pilgrims received blessings with a crucifix containing a spiritual relic, a cherished aspect of the Ukrainian Catholic tradition.
This yearly pilgrimage not only pays homage to the faith and determination of past generations but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many Ukrainians today. The participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to their roots, embodying the spirit of resilience that defines the Ukrainian community.
