Monks complete 180-mile peace march in Conroe

**Orthodox Monks Conclude 180-Mile “March for Peace” in Conroe, Calling for Global Harmony**

**Conroe, TX – June 22, 2024** – A profound 180-mile pilgrimage for peace concluded today in Conroe, as Father Seraphim, Abbot of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Huntsville, alongside Father Benedict and Brother Michael, completed their “Monks’ March for Peace.” The trio of Orthodox monks, who began their arduous journey on June 1st, arrived at the Rotary Club District 5910 Peace Pole located at Heritage Place Park, capping 22 days of prayerful walking across Southeast Texas.

The monks undertook this demanding trek, carrying a towering 10-foot tall wooden cross weighing approximately 70 pounds, with a singular mission: to pray for peace in a world fraught with conflict. Their motivation was particularly fueled by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and a deep resonance with Rotary’s global Peace Pole initiative, which promotes the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

“Each step we took, each ache in our muscles, was offered as a prayer for reconciliation and understanding,” said Father Seraphim upon their arrival, visibly moved by the journey’s end. “The suffering in Ukraine, and indeed in so many corners of the world, compels us to seek divine intervention and to demonstrate that even in a small way, individuals can commit to the work of peace.”

Originating from their monastery, St. Joseph’s Abbey, a community of Orthodox monks of the Moscow Patriarchate situated just north of Huntsville, the group wound their way through various Texas towns. Their route, averaging 10 to 12 miles each day, included stops in Willis, Cut and Shoot, Splendora, Cleveland, Shepherd, Livingston, Trinity, and Riverside. Along the path, they frequently paused to pray with residents, sharing moments of reflection and spiritual communion. These spontaneous interactions often provided encouragement and a sense of shared purpose for both the monks and the local communities they encountered.

“The journey was physically demanding, but the spiritual rewards were immense,” added Father Benedict. “We met so many wonderful people along the way who offered water, food, shelter, or simply a word of encouragement. It showed us the innate goodness and longing for peace that exists in everyone.”

This year marks the second iteration of such a spiritual march for the monks. Their inaugural pilgrimage last year took them all the way to Galveston. However, this is their first time concluding the march at a Rotary Peace Pole, a choice that underscores their support for the symbolic monuments of peace found in communities worldwide. The specific Peace Pole at Heritage Place Park in Conroe was originally dedicated in 2021 as part of Rotary’s enduring commitment to fostering peace and goodwill.

The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe played a pivotal supportive role in coordinating the monks’ arrival and the concluding ceremonies. “It was an honor for the Rotary Club of Lake Conroe to welcome Father Seraphim, Father Benedict, and Brother Michael to Heritage Place Park,” stated a representative from the club. “Their dedication to peace, reflected in their incredible journey, perfectly aligns with Rotary’s core values and our global Peace Pole initiative. Their presence truly brought the spirit of ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ to life in our community.”

As the monks knelt in prayer at the Peace Pole, their message resonated clearly: that even in times of profound global unrest, faith, perseverance, and a commitment to peace can inspire profound action and hope. The Monks’ March for Peace serves as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of harmony begins with each individual step.

For more information on St. Joseph’s Abbey, visit their official website. Details on the Rotary Peace Pole initiative can be found on the Rotary International website.