MECHANICSBURG, PA/HARRISBURG, PA [DOEPA]

From March 7-8, 2026, the Second Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas, the faithful of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, and Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA, were blessed by the visit of the St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary Mission Choir.

St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary, located in South Canaan, PA, is an institution of Orthodox theological education chartered by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and affiliated with the Orthodox Church in America. In an environment that fosters both spiritual life and academic study, the Seminary forms its students within the liturgical and spiritual tradition of the Orthodox Church as they prepare for ministry.

On Saturday, March 7, the Mission Choir visited Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, where they sang the liturgical responses during Great Vespers. The choir was prayerfully directed by Priest Caleb Lewis, Director of Music and Lecturer in Liturgical Music at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. Following Great Vespers, Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church, welcomed the Seminarians to the parish. A lenten meal was prepared in the Church hall afterwards, giving the Seminarians a chance to spend time with the faithful and introduce themselves.

On Sunday, March 8, the choir traveled to Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA, where they sang the liturgical responses during the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archpriest Stephen Vernak, Rector, with Priest Caleb Lewis and Mitred Archpriest Daniel Kovalak concelebrating. The presence of the seminarians and their singing added to the prayerful atmosphere of the service. Following the reading of the Holy Gospel, Priest Caleb Lewis offered the homily.

During the Divine Liturgy, the parish community also rejoiced as Jordan and Sarah Roesch were received as catechumens, formally beginning their preparation for reception into the Orthodox Church. Following the services, a fellowship hour was held during which members of the parish had the opportunity to meet the visiting seminarians and learn more about their studies and life at the seminary.

Photo credit: Emmelia Potteiger, Zoe Vernak, and others

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office