Archbishop Mark Presides Over Patronal Feast of Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring Mission, Philadelphia, PA

PHILADELPHIA, PA [DOEPA]

On Bright Friday, April 25, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania celebrated the patronal feast of Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring Mission in Philadelphia, PA.

Prior to His Eminence's arrival, water was blessed, as is customary for the feast of the Life-Giving Spring.

Upon arrival at the mission, Archbishop Mark was greeted with bread and salt, and a bouquet of roses. Archpriest Nikolai Gulin, Rector, welcomed him warmly.

His Eminence presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Serving with him were, Archpriest Nikolai, Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, (Dean of the Philadelphia Deanery and Dean of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA), Archimandrite Gabriel [Pigarev] (Dean of Holy New Martyers of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY), Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov (Dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral, New York, NY), Archprist Vasily Zelenyuk (Rector of the Church of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy" in Staten Island, NY), Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki (Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA), and Priest Alexander Revyuk (Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Brookyln, NY) with Protodeacon Igor Panachev (Cleric of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York, NY) and servers of the mission.

The choir was led under the direction of Archpriest George Gulin (Rector of St. Barbara Church in Orange County, CA).

Archbishop Mark offered the homily, reflecting on the importance of proclaiming the Paschal joy, no matter the language. His Eminence encouraged the faithful to carry this joy beyond the walls of the Church and into their daily lives, becoming witnesses to the Risen Lord in word and deed.

Many of the faithful received the Holy Eucharist.

Following the Ambo Prayer, a procession was made around the Church. At each side of the Church, the clergy and faithful stopped and were blessed with Holy Water during the singing of "Christ is Risen." The Holy Gospel was also read.

After returning to the Church, His Eminence offered heartfelt congratulations to Father Nikolai, Matushka Viktoriya, and the faithful of the mission, encouraging them to continue their good work in service to Christ and His Church. He presented the beautiful bouquet of roses he had received upon his arrival to Matushka Viktoriya as a gesture of gratitude, acknowledging her tireless efforts and dedication.

In response, Father Nikolai thanked His Eminence for his archpastoral visit and offered warm congratulations on the occasion of his namesday, the feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark. He presented Archbishop Mark with a new censer as a gift from the mission.

Following the veneration of the Cross, a festive meal accompanied by singing was held in the Church hall downstairs.

Glory to God for all things!