17-05-2026

Pilgrimage to the Intercession Monastery in Bussy, France.

From May 14th to 17th, the Parish of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, Leuven, organized and conducted its traditional pilgrimage to the Intercession Monastery in Bussy, France.

This holy monastery was founded by Russian refugees in the early 20th century and remains a place of prayer, spiritual solace, and the preservation of Orthodox tradition far from their homeland. The relics of St. Alexis of Uzhin are enshrined here, and pilgrims from across Europe come with faith and reverence to them.

This year, our community brought 20 people to the monastery. For four days, the pilgrims, along with the nuns of the monastery, prayed and labored for the glory of God and the benefit of the holy site. Working together, participating in conversations and prayers within our group, the quiet of monastic life, and shared fellowship helped everyone, at least for a short time, break away from the daily grind and tap into the spiritual world.

What a blessing that here in Europe there are still places where one can come not as a tourist—to see religious sites—but as a true pilgrim: to purify one's thoughts, strengthen one's soul, and feel the living presence of faith in the silence of a monastery.