WILMINGTON, DE [DOEPA]

From March 14-15, 2026, the Third Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE, where he presided at the divine services and offered archpastoral exhortation to the faithful during the Lenten season.

On Saturday, March 14, His Eminence arrived at the temple and was warmly greeted by Priest Silouan Burns, Rector, along with members of the parish community. Great Vespers was served by Priest Joseph Sharman, Associate Priest, with Deacons James Carpenter and Nicholas DiDonato also serving, while Archbishop Mark presided from the throne as the clergy and faithful gathered in prayer at the beginning of the Third Sunday of Great Lent.

Following the service, Father Silouan welcomed His Eminence and expressed the gratitude of the parish community for his archpastoral visit. Archbishop Mark likewise expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended to him by the faithful and offered words of encouragement as they continued their spiritual journey through the Lenten season.

On Sunday, March 15, upon his arrival, His Eminence was greeted by Mr. Jeffrey Kindell, Parish Council President, and young girls from the parish welcomed their beloved Vladyka with bouquets of flowers. Following the Entrance Prayers, Resurrectional Matins was served. After the Great Doxology, Archbishop Mark performed the rite of bringing out the Cross.

Prior to the Divine Liturgy, Reader Constantine Bergwall, a student in the Diaconal Vocations Program, was ordained to the subdiaconate. May God grant him many years!

Archbishop Mark presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating were Priests Silouan Burns and Joseph Sharman, with Deacons James Carpenter and Nicholas DiDonato, and servers from the parish. The parish choir was led under the direction of Reader Andrew Ashton.

At the Little Entrance, His Eminence awarded Priest Joseph Sharman the right to wear the kamilavka in recognition of his dedicated service. Axios!

Archbishop Mark offered the homily on the Resurrection, reminding the faithful that the closer a person draws to Christ, the more clearly one begins to see his own sins and shortcomings. This awareness, he explained, is not meant to lead to discouragement, but to deeper humility and repentance. Reflecting on the spiritual journey of Great Lent, His Eminence noted that as the faithful progress through the Fast they often realize how much more time is needed for prayer, repentance, and spiritual renewal. The Lenten season, he said, is a sacred opportunity for the faithful to turn their hearts more fully toward Christ and prepare to encounter the joy of His Resurrection.

During the Divine Liturgy, many of the faithful received the Holy Mysteries.

"Before Thy Cross..." was sung by the clergy and faithful, and the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord was venerated.

Following the dismissal, Archbishop Mark offered an archpastoral word of encouragement to Father Silouan, Father Joseph, and the faithful of St. Michael the Archangel Church. He expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him during his visit and commended the parish community for their continued faithfulness and dedication to the life of the Church. His Eminence encouraged the faithful to persevere in their Lenten struggles through prayer, fasting, and repentance as they continue their spiritual journey toward the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ at Holy Pascha.

After the Veneration of the Cross, a Lenten meal was prepared and served downstairs in the church hall, where the faithful gathered for a time of fellowship. The meal provided parishioners with the opportunity to spend time with His Eminence and strengthen their bonds as a parish community while sharing fellowship as Orthodox Christians. During coffee hour, Archbishop Mark also spent time with the Church School, answering questions and engaging with the children.

Photo credit: Matushka Emilia Burns and Joachim Hojnicki

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office