PHILADELPHIA, PA [DOEPA]
From February 20-22, 2026, Forgiveness Sunday, the Commemoration of the Expulsion of Adam from Paradise, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania presided over the divine services at the Diocesan Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA, offering instruction to participants in the Diaconal Vocations Program, celebrating the Divine Liturgy, and sharing fellowship with the Cathedral community as the Orthodox Church enters Great Lent.
On Saturday, February 21, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with students of the Diaconal Vocations Program serving. Concelebrating with Archbishop Mark were Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, Cathedral Dean and Dean of the Philadelphia Deanery, and Archpriest Milorad Orlic, with Deacon Tikhon Wallace. The choir was led by Reader Samuel Regen. The students of the Diaconal Vocations Program were given the opportunity once again to learn the order and structure of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and to serve with His Eminence. Their participation provided practical liturgical instruction and further formation in the diaconal ministry, strengthening their understanding of the sacred services and their preparation for future service in the Church.
In his homily, His Eminence spoke about marriage as a sacred partnership in which each spouse contributes to the other’s wellbeing in the fullest way possible, reflecting the relationship between Christ and His Church as Bridegroom and Bride. He encouraged the faithful during the Fast to remove from their lives whatever obscures Christ, so that He may fill that space and draw them closer to Himself.
Following the Dismissal, Archbishop Mark thanked Father Victor and the students for their labors, expressing gratitude that there are young men in the diocese interested in serving the Church. Afterwards, a meal was served in the Cathedral hall, and Father Victor offered a retreat on the Book of Job, with many Diaconal Vocations Program students and Cathedral parishioners in attendance. In the evening, the Vigil was served by Father Victor with Deacon Tikhon Wallace, and His Eminence presided from the throne. The choir, under the direction of Mr. John Miller, offered the responses.
On Sunday, February 22, upon his arrival at the Cathedral, the bells were rung, and His Eminence Archbishop Mark was greeted by Mr. Andrew Yencha, Warden of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with the traditional bread and salt, and by Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk with the Cross. Archbishop Mark presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating were Archpriest Victor and Deacon Tikhon Wallace, with servers from the Cathedral. The Cathedral choir was beautifully led under the direction of Mr. John Miller.
His Eminence offered the homily, reflecting on the Lord’s command that we forgive one another from the heart. He reminded the faithful that forgiveness is not optional for the Christian, but the very foundation of our life in Christ. He taught that without reconciliation, our fasting and prayers lose their meaning and power. As the Church prepares to enter Great Lent, he emphasized that forgiveness is the doorway through which we begin the journey toward Pascha.
Despite the inclement weather, many of the faithful received the Holy Body and Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Following the Dismissal, Archbishop Mark offered an archpastoral word, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Father Victor and Matushka Anastasia Gorodenchuk for their many labors on behalf of the Cathedral and the diocese. As the Orthodox Church prepares to enter Great Lent, he asked forgiveness of all present, humbly seeking reconciliation in the spirit of Forgiveness Sunday.
In response, Father Victor thanked His Eminence for presiding at the services throughout the weekend and for his continued fatherly care for the Cathedral community. He then sincerely asked Archbishop Mark’s forgiveness and that of the faithful for any sins or shortcomings, making a full prostration before them in accordance with the tradition of the day. After the veneration of the Cross, the annual blini luncheon was held in the Cathedral hall, customary for Cheesefare Sunday. This provided an opportunity for parishioners of the Cathedral to spend time with His Eminence and with one another.
Photo credit: Mr. Timothy Galloway and Elijah Hojnicki
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
