WILLIAMSPORT, PA [DOEPA]

On Friday, February 27, 2026, Clean Friday, Elevation of the Holy Cross Church in Williamsport, PA, celebrated the first Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts of Great Lent. The Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest Seraphim Reynolds, Rector. The choir was led under the direction of Ms. Susannah Crews.

The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is a distinctive and ancient service of the Orthodox Church celebrated on the Wednesday and Friday evenings of Great Lent. The service is marked by a spirit of quiet prayer, penitence, and expectation, calling the faithful to deeper fasting and spiritual watchfulness as they journey through the holy season of Great Lent.

Following the Liturgy, the customary blessing of Koliva was performed in honor of Saint Theodore the Recruit, as is the tradition observed on the first Saturday of Great Lent. After the veneration of the Cross, a lenten meal was prepared and served in the Church hall next door, offering a time of fellowship to conclude Clean Week.

Photo credit: Archpriest Seraphim Reynolds and Brayden Gross

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office