OLYPHANT, PA [DOEPA]

From December 5-6, 2024, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Olyphant, PA, celebrated its 120th anniversary.

On Thursday, December 5, Great Vespers was served by Priest Nathan Clausson, Rector, and clergy from the Wilkes-Barre Deanery. His Eminence Archbishop Mark presided from the throne. Fr. Nathan greeted His Eminence, and "Many Years" was intoned for His Eminence on the 20th anniversary of his consecration to the Episcopacy. Eis polla eti despota!

On Friday, December 6, the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, His Eminence Archbishop Mark presided over the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Priest Nathan Clausson, Archpriest Innocent Neal, Dean of the Wilkes-Barre Deanery, Priest John Nightingale, Priest Michael Shepherd, and Priest Paul Witek. Also serving were Protodeacon Sergei Kapral and the servers of the parish. The choir was beautifully led under the direction of Mr. Mark Howanetz.

Following the Hours, His Eminence tonsured Stephen Howanetz as a Reader. Many Years!

His Eminence offered the homily, speaking about the life of St. Nicholas. He emphasized that the parish should emulate their patron saint and preserve the unity of the parish, particularly on this 120th anniversary.

After the dismissal of the Hierarchical Liturgy, "Many Years" was intoned for the members of the parish, the newly tonsured Reader Stephen, and all who bear the name Nicholas.

Following the veneration of the cross, a banquet was held at Rossi's Ristorante in Archbald, PA. During the meal, Fr. Nathan Clausson gave pastoral remarks as rector of the parish, followed by remarks from Archpriest Vladimir Fetcho, Rector of the parish from 1971 to 2022. Finally, archpastoral remarks were made by His Eminence.

May God protect and preserve His Eminence Archbishop Mark, Priest Nathan, Matushka Katharine, and their family, and the faithful of St. Nicholas Church, for many years!

O Holy Hierarch Nicholas, pray unto God for us!

Glory to God for all things!