On Sunday, October 9, the feast of St. Patriarch Tikhon of Moscow, His Eminence, Archbishop Mark celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Ascension Church in Lykens. His Eminence was joined by Fr. James Chuta, Supply Priest, and Dn. Seraphim Reynolds, Administrator of the Parish, and Subdn. Thomas Donlick. There were 34 souls present for the Divine Services with a celebratory meal following.
 
In recent years, the Lykens parish was faced with a critical decision as to what the future would bring. An agreement was worked out where Dn. Seraphim Reynolds would travel from Mechanicsburg to Lykens once a month and offer an Obednitsa. As the situation panned out, with the blessing of the Archbishop, Dn. Seraphim and Mat. Mary moved to Lykens, and now the deacon serves twice a month (once with a priest, and once by himself serving the Obednitsa) giving the parish a more stable cycle of services. His Eminence named Dn. Seraphim the Administrator of the parish in November of 2015, and now has a regular presence in the parish and in the community. The Church rejoices as several people who had fallen away from the church over the years have returned. The parish will be offering an education series this fall, and continues to see potential for the future.
 
The parish community is thankful to His Eminence, Archbishop Mark for allowing this transition to take place which has given the 104 year old parish potential for growth going forward. Glory to God for all things!