Archbishop Mark Makes Archpastoral Visit to St. Michael the Archangel Church, Wilmington, DE, on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women

WILMINGTON, DE [DOEPA]

From May 3-4, 2025, the Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women with the Noble Joseph, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE, presiding over the services and spending time with the faithful.

On Saturday, May 3, Archbishop Mark was warmly welcomed to the parish by Priest Silouan Burns, Rector, and several parishioners. Prior to the celebration of Great Vespers, His Eminence had the opportunity to speak with members of the community. Great Vespers was served by Father Silouan with Deacons James Carpenter and Nicholas DiDonato; Archbishop Mark presided from the throne.

Following the service, His Eminence offered an archpastoral word, commending the choir and encouraging all the faithful to participate actively in the singing and worship. Father Silouan expressed his gratitude for Archbishop Mark’s presence, referring to him as the true "rector of the parish."

On Sunday, May 4, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Father Silouan and Deacons James and Nicholas, assisted by altar servers from the parish. The choir was under the direction of Reader Andrew Ashton.

In his homily, Archbishop Mark reflected on St. Paul’s words: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). He emphasized that Christ came not merely to save souls, but the whole human person, body and soul. Orthodox worship reflects this incarnational reality through physical participation: standing, bowing, kissing icons, and receiving the Eucharist. The risen Christ is not a metaphor, He is risen bodily, and so too shall we rise. The Myrrh-bearing women, whose memory was commemorated that day, bore witness to the physical resurrection of Christ. Quoting St. Ignatius of Antioch, His Eminence reminded the faithful: “It is not enough to be called Christians, we must be Christians,” living the reality of the Resurrection in our lives.

Many of the faithful received the Holy Eucharist. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Archbishop Mark offered words of encouragement to the parish and all gathered.

Following the veneration of the Cross, a festive meal was served in the church hall, providing a time for fellowship and further conversation with His Eminence.

Glory to God for all things!