On Sunday, January 17th the Orthodox parishes of Greater Harrisburg gathered at City Island Park for the 8th Annual Pan-Orthodox Great Blessing of the Susquehanna. His Eminence, Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania (Orthodox Church in America) was our celebrant, along with the clergy and faithful from the following communities:

•    Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church (OCA) in Harrisburg
•    Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission (OCA) in Mechanicsburg
•    Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (GOA) in Camp Hill
•    St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (SER) in Oberlin

Following the River Blessing, the clergy and faithful gathered at Agia Sophia Coffeehouse and Bookstore for fellowship and a soup/chili cook-off. His Eminence, Archbishop Mark blessed the shop, asking that God would continue to allow it to be a place of peace, and an encouragement to our Orthodox faithful and our patrons. Agia Sophia has donated over $18,000 to local charities in its 4 years ministry/business!