MECHANICSBURG, PA [DOEPA]

On October 25-27, Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, celebrated their 20th Anniversary.

On Friday, October 25, 2024, Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania and Dean of the Frackville Deanery, served a Panikhida for the departed members of Holy Apostles Church. Following the memorial service, a bonfire was held for the parish faithful.

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, His Eminence, Archbishop Mark, arrived at the Church. Upon arrival, Vigil was served by Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki and Deacon Peter Staller, with His Eminence presiding from the throne. The Parish Choir sang the responses under the direction of Mrs. Barbara Linnehan.

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, His Eminence, Archbishop Mark presided over the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Rector, Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris, Priest Ignatius Gauvain, and Deacon Peter Staller. 

Following the vesting in the center of the Church, Patrick O'Leary was tonsured a reader. The homily was offered by Fr. John Parker. 

At the end of the Liturgy, His Eminence blessed a new icon of the Synaxis of the Heavenly Hosts. This icon was made in honor of the program started in the diocese based on the Angelic Ranks, providing age-appropriate activities for ages 8-18. The Heavenly Host program is intended to provide Orthodox Youth with a foundation of Orthodox Christian Knowledge and experience so that they can passionately and intelligently “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). CLICK HERE to receive more information about the program.

After the Dismissal, His Eminence offered words of encouragement and congratulations to the parish. He presented Fr. Timothy with a pectoral cross and a bouquet of flowers to Matushka Anastasia for their years of service to the parish. "Memory Eternal" was intoned for the departed members of Holy Apostles Church. 

Following the veneration of the cross, a banquet was held at the Penn Harris Hotel. Guests were welcomed by Fr. Timothy, who gave pastoral remarks as Rector. Conceptual plans for Phase 2 of Holy Apostles Church were unveiled for the faithful to view. Following this, the annual dinner dance and silent auction of the parish commenced.

May God protect and preserve His Eminence, Archbishop Mark, Archpriest Timothy, Matushka Anastasia, and their family, and the faithful of Holy Apostles Church, for many years!

Glory to God for all things!