MECHANICSBURG, PA [DOEPA]

On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Feast of the Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple was celebrated at Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church, with the Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris. The Choir was led under the direction of Mrs. Barbara Linnehan.

The homily was offered by Father Timothy. During the Divine Liturgy, the faithful partook of the Holy Mysteries.

Following the Ambo prayer, in keeping with the ancient traditions of the feast, candles and vigil lamps were blessed. This beautiful custom reminds the faithful that Christ is the True Light who has come into the world, and the blessed candles serve as a symbol of that divine illumination in the homes and lives of the believers. The congregation came forward with their candles to receive the blessing, filling the church with a warm glow that reflected the joy of the feast. This ancient feast commemorates the presentation of the infant Christ in the Temple and the prophetic encounter with Simeon and Anna, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.

After the veneration of the Cross, the celebration continued in the parish hall, where a festive meal had been lovingly prepared and served. The fellowship meal provided an opportunity for the members of the community to gather in Christian love and joy, sharing food and conversation while reflecting on the blessings of the day.

Photo credit: Reader Nicholas Hojnicki

Joyous Feast! С Праздником!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office