FRACKVILLE, PA [DOEPA]

On Friday, March 20, and Sunday, March 22, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania visited Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA, where he presided at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and the Pan-Orthodox Lenten Coal Region Mission Vespers.

On Friday, March 20, His Eminence arrived at Holy Ascension Church and was warmly received by Priest Kirill Zawatski, Rector, together with members of the parish community. That evening, His Eminence presided at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, with Father Kirill concelebrating. The service was prayerfully attended by the faithful of the parish, while the choir sang under the direction of Ms. Larissa Holowaty.

The presence of the archpastor brought encouragement and spiritual strength to the community as they continued their Lenten journey in repentance and prayer. Following the dismissal, His Eminence offered an archpastoral word, exhorting the faithful to persevere in the ascetical labors of Great Lent. On behalf of the parish, Father Kirill expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit of His Eminence and for his prayers offered on behalf of the faithful.

The following day, Archbishop Mark traveled to Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, to continue his archpastoral visit.

On Sunday, March 22, following the conclusion of his visit in Mechanicsburg, PA, His Eminence returned to Frackville, PA, to preside at the Lenten Coal Region Mission Vespers. Upon his arrival, he was once again greeted by Priest Kirill Zawatski, along with clergy, faithful, and members of the wider local community who had gathered for this pan-Orthodox Lenten service. Approximately 100 souls were in attendance, representing parishes from throughout the Coal Region. Serving alongside Father Kirill were clergy from across the region, including, Archpriest Jeffrey Zais (ACROD), Archpriest Joseph Fester (ACROD), Archpriest Aleksey Paranyuk, Rector of St. Michael's Church in Mount Carmel, PA, Priest Joseph Ramishvili, Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Minersville, PA, and Priest Oleg Kravchenko, (UOC-USA). The choir sang under the direction of Ms. Larissa Holowaty.

At the conclusion of the service, His Eminence offered an archpastoral homily on the spiritual labor of Great Lent. He exhorted the faithful to persevere in their ascetical efforts, reminding them that the Lenten journey is not about attaining perfection by Pascha, but about continual repentance and the willingness to rise again after each fall. Drawing on the image of sin as a spiritual illness, His Eminence emphasized that the life of the Church is one of healing, in which the faithful are restored through repentance, prayer, fasting, and participation in the sacramental life.

Following the veneration of the Cross, a Lenten meal was prepared and served in the church hall, where the faithful gathered for a time of fellowship. This provided an opportunity for clergy and laity to continue their time together in a spirit of Christian love, strengthening the bonds of community and encouraging one another as they continue their Lenten journey.

Photo credit: Pani Olivia Zawatski and Reader Jalen Buchinski

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office