MECHANICSBURG, PA [DOEPA]
From February 23 through March 1, 2026, the faithful of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, entered Great Lent with the services of Clean Week, concluding with the celebration of the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy.
From Monday through Thursday evening, the parish gathered for the Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete. Offering reflections throughout the week were Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church; Mitred Archpriest Daniel Kovalak; Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Ilija Balach; and Priest Demetrius Nicoloudakis, who called the community to repentance, humility, and renewed dedication during this sacred season.
On Friday evening, the parish celebrated the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. Following the service, the blessing of Koliva was offered in honor of Theodore the Recruit, commemorating his steadfast witness to Christ. The faithful shared in the blessed Koliva according to the tradition of the Church on the first Saturday of Great Lent. A Lenten potluck was held in the parish hall following the service, providing an opportunity for fellowship.
On the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the parish rejoiced as Zachariah Davis was received into the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mystery of Holy Chrismation. The community welcomed him with prayer and thanksgiving, asking God to grant him many blessed years. May God grant the newly illumined Zachariah and his sponsor many years!
Photo credit: Emmelia Potteiger and Elijah Hojnicki
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
