HARRISBURG, PA [DOEPA]

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the faithful of Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA, gathered in prayer on the Third Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, marking both the midpoint of the Lenten journey and a day of particular spiritual joy for the parish community.

During the Divine Liturgy, four catechumens were formally received into the life of the Church: Josiah Shelly, Callum Shelly, Magnus Plante, and Ryan Michener. Their entrance into the catechumenate reflects the continued growth of the parish and the ongoing witness of the Orthodox faith in the local community. The faithful rejoiced in this significant step as these men begin their journey toward illumination in Christ.

That evening, Christ the Saviour Church hosted a Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers, welcoming clergy and faithful from across the region for a shared time of prayer and fellowship during the holy season. The service brought together Orthodox Christians from neighboring parishes, manifesting the unity of the Church in worship during Great Lent.

Among the clergy who served were Archpriest Stephen Vernak, Rector, Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Ilija Balach, Attached at St. Nicholas Serbian Church in Steelton, PA, Archpriest Andrew Stephen Damick (Antiochian Archdiocese), and Priest Christopher Rocknage, Rector of St. Nicholas Serbian Church in Steelton, PA, with Deacon Jonathan Troop, Attached at Holy Annunciation Greek Church in Lancaster, PA. The choir was led under the direction of Reader James Kushlan.

The homily was offered by guest speaker Father Andrew Damick, who offered a thoughtful and edifying reflection on the life and apostolic ministry of Saint Aristobulus, Apostle of the Seventy, whose feast was commemorated that day. Following Vespers, the faithful gathered in the parish fellowship hall for a Lenten meal prepared and hosted by the parish Altar Guild. This time of fellowship provided an opportunity for the clergy and faithful to strengthen their bonds in Christ and to continue their shared journey through the Fast in a spirit of love and unity.

Photo credit: Zoe Vernak

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office