Orthodox Christians head to Holy Mount in Poland

Groups of Polish Orthodox Christians are on their way to the Holy Mount of Grabarka in the east of the country to mark the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

A group of pilgrims heading from the eastern city of Białystok.

Photo: PAP/Michał Zieliński

Many pilgrims began their trek in Poland’s northeastern region, which is the heartland of the Polish Orthodox Church.

The Holy Mount of Grabarka, near the town of Siemiatycze, is a sacred place for Polish Orthodox Christians.

The slopes of the hill are dotted with thousands of votive crosses, which have been placed by pilgrims down the years.

The tradition of pilgrimages to Grabarka dates back to the beginning of the 18th century.

According to the Orthodox Church, there are up to half a million Orthodox Christians in Poland.

In the last national census, however, 156,000 people declared themselves to be Orthodox Christians.

The Orthodox Feast of the Transfiguration will be celebrated on the Holy Mount of Grabarka on August 18 and 19.

(mk/gs)