MECHANICSBURG, PA [DOEPA]
From March 21–22, 2026, the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of Saint John Climacus of the Ladder, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA. During his visit, he presided at the divine services, offered archpastoral exhortation to the faithful during the Lenten season, and spent time in fellowship with the parish community.
On Saturday, March 21, His Eminence arrived at the Church and was warmly greeted by Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church, along with members of the parish community. Great Vespers was served by Father Timothy Hojnicki, with Deacon Peter Staller also serving. Archbishop Mark presided from the throne as the clergy and faithful gathered in prayer.
Following the service, Father Timothy 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 and offered words of encouragement to the faithful as they continued their Lenten journey, reminding them, “We must learn to separate fear from faith and feeling from faith. We walk by faith, not by feeling.”
After the Veneration of the Cross, a Lenten supper was prepared and served in the parish hall, providing an opportunity for fellowship among the clergy and faithful.
That evening, His Eminence delivered a presentation titled “The Formation of the New Testament Canon.” In his lecture, Archbishop Mark explored the historical development of the New Testament Canon and the factors that shaped the Church’s recognition of the sacred writings received as Holy Scripture. Drawing upon the life and experience of the early Church, he reflected on the role of apostolic tradition, liturgical use, and the witness of the faithful in the discernment and preservation of the New Testament. His Eminence further emphasized the inseparable relationship between the Holy Scriptures and the living Tradition of the Church, noting that the New Testament arose from within the life of the Church and continues to guide the faithful in the proclamation of the Gospel. The presentation concluded with a time of questions and discussion, offering those in attendance an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures and the life of the Church.
On Sunday, March 22, upon his arrival, young girls of the parish welcomed their beloved archpastor with bouquets of flowers. His Eminence was greeted by Dr. Steven Williams, Parish Council President, and by Father Timothy with the Cross. Archbishop Mark presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating were Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris, and Deacon Peter Staller, with servers from the parish, joined by visiting servers from St. Tikhon’s and St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminaries. The choir was led under the direction of Mrs. Barbara Linnehan.
Following the vesting in the center of the church, Augustine Merten was tonsured as a reader. May God grant him many years!
The "Eis Polla" Trio was sung by Kyra Hojnicki, Madilyn Potteiger, and Laura Sedor.
During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence offered a homily centered on the spiritual ascent taught by Saint John Climacus of the Ladder, calling the faithful to pursue not merely the avoidance of sin, but the active cultivation of virtue in their lives. Reflecting on the ascetical struggle of Great Lent, he reminded the faithful, “God is not looking for a life simply absent of sin, but a life full of virtue. This is always possible, because virtue and the desire for God, unlike vice, can always grow greater.”
With over 230 souls in attendance, many approached to receive the Holy Eucharist.
Following the Dismissal, Archbishop Mark offered an archpastoral word, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Father Timothy and Matushka Anastasia Hojnicki for their many labors on behalf of the parish and the diocese. His Eminence presented the bouquets of flowers he received upon his entry to Justina Merten, wife of Reader Augustine Merten, and to Mrs. Barbara Linnehan, Parish Choir Director. The Merten Family will be departing the Diocese in the coming months to attend St. Herman’s Seminary in Kodiak, AK, and His Eminence offered words of encouragement and gratitude for their service to the Church. In response, Father Timothy thanked His Eminence for presiding at the services throughout the weekend and for his continued fatherly care for the parish community. He also announced over twenty people will be received into the Orthodox Church before Great and Holy Pascha.
“Memory Eternal” was intoned for His Holiness Ilia II (Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili), the newly-departed Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta–Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, among other departed faithful.
Following the veneration of the Cross, a meal was held in the parish hall, offering the faithful an opportunity for fellowship with His Eminence and with one another. During Father Timothy’s Orthodoxy 101 class, the topic of Confession was discussed, with Archbishop Mark offering instruction and engaging with the inquirers and catechumens of the parish.
Photo credit: Elijah Hojnicki, Brigid O'Leary, Emmelia Potteiger, and Joachim Hojnicki
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
