Pilgrims honored their Ukrainian heritage by walking from McAdoo to Shenandoah, retracing the steps of early Ukrainian immigrants who journeyed to attend church services. The event, part of a “Walk for Ukraine,” took place on November 22, 2025, and drew about a dozen participants who aimed to honor their ancestors and raise awareness of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Participants began their trek at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in McAdoo before dawn. Among them was Christine Harasymczuk, 72, who reflected on her grandparents, Dmytro and Matrona Capitula, who made a similar journey decades ago. “It touches my heart,” she said, recalling how her grandparents would walk to St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in all kinds of weather.
The group departed McAdoo at 08:00, blessed by Archpriest Mark Fesniak, pastor of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Minersville. They paused for lunch at Delano Fire Company No. 1 before continuing their journey to Mahanoy City. The final leg of the walk saw the group traverse Route 54, led by Vladimir Holoviak, a 23-year-old from Hazleton, carrying a Ukrainian flag.
The walk, which has taken place for over a decade, initially recognized the devout Ukrainian immigrants who settled in the region. However, since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the focus has shifted to raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis affecting the Ukrainian people. Paula Holoviak, one of the event organizers and a political science teacher at Kutztown University, emphasized the importance of highlighting the struggles faced by Ukrainians. Reports indicate that approximately 46,000 have died and 380,000 Ukrainians have been injured since the conflict began.
Funds raised through the walk support the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Joseph Krushinsky, a consultant from Tamaqua, noted that the archeparchy has collected $7.2 million for food assistance, medical care, and support for displaced persons through its Healing of Wounds Fund.
As the pilgrims approached St. Michael’s around 14:00, they were welcomed by Rev. Bohdan Vasyliv, pastor of the church. The event concluded with a brief service, in which the pilgrims received a blessing with a crucifix containing a spiritual relic, following the Ukrainian Catholic tradition of bowing heads and raising palms in prayer.
Among the participants were three seniors from Marian Catholic High School: Alex Krapf, Alex Holoviak, and Samuel Farrone. Their involvement reflects the intergenerational commitment to preserving and honoring Ukrainian culture and faith.
The “Walk for Ukraine” serves not only as a tribute to the past but also as a call to action, encouraging solidarity with the ongoing struggles faced by Ukrainians today.
