From May 9-10, 2014, the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania commemorated a historic occasion with the enthronement and installation of His Grace Bishop Mark as the Ruling Hierarch of Eastern Pennsylvania at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA.
On Friday, May 9, Great Vespers was celebrated at the cathedral with all four bishops in attendance. His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel delivered the homily, in which he preached on the need to continue to proclaim enthusiastically the message that “Christ is Risen” in a world that desperately needs to hear it. A wonderful meal followed in the cathedral hall.
On Saturday, May 10, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, presided at the Divine Liturgy. In addition to Bishop Mark, His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and His Grace Bishop Michael of New York and New Jersey, concelebrated. Eight priests, including Priest Victor Gorodenchuk, Dean of Saint Stephen Cathedral, and three protodeacons also served. The liturgical responses were rendered by a combined choir of singers from Saint Nicholas Church, Bethlehem, PA and other members of the diocese under the direction of Saint Nicholas Church’s talented director, Reader Nicholas Lezinsky. Bishop Mark preached at the Divine Liturgy, encouraging the faithful to acquire attributes conducive to a healthy diocese. “Love comes first in our Church life, and foremost love for Christ,” Bishop Mark said as he called upon the diocese’s clergy and faithful to discern that which is of the Holy Spirit.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presented Bishop Mark with the Episcopal Staff. This particular staff had been used by His Beatitude when he was installed at the cathedral nearly nine years ago. His Grace Bishop Mark then ascended the cathedra and offered his blessing to the congregation and to his new diocese.
A banquet honoring Bishop Mark was held at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Northeast, Trevose, PA, at which time greetings and congratulatory messages were offered. Archpriest John Kowalczyk, Chancellor of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, welcomed all in attendance. Several gift presentations were made. As a special gift, the diocese presented a new mitre to Bishop Mark as a token of their love and as an expression of their joyful anticipation of the future.
The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania joins with the entire Orthodox Church in America in rejoicing over this momentous occasion and looks forward to many years of fruitful service under the leadership of their new father and Archpastor.
Eis polla eti despota!
