MECHANICSBURG, PA [DOEPA]
On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt, Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joyfully received seven new members into the Orthodox Church through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation, and hosted a Lenten Mission Vespers gathering for the faithful of the region.
On Sunday morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church, with the Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris concelebrating. The choir was led under the direction of Mrs. Barbara Linnehan.
Among those received during the Divine Liturgy into the Holy Orthodox Church were Paisios and Maria Gwinn; Seraphim and Katherine Bennett; Seraphim and Marina Morris; and Photini Medina. May God grant them and their sponsors many blessed years!
That evening, Holy Apostles Church hosted the 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 Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Ilija Balach, Attached at St. Nicholas Serbian Church in Steelton, PA, Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of Pastoral Life for the Orthodox Church in America, Priest Christopher Rocknage, Rector of St. Nicholas Serbian Church in Steelton, PA, and Archpriest Stephen Vernak, Rector of Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA,, with Deacon Bojan Gligorevic, Attached at St. Nicholas Serbian Church in Steelton, PA, and 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 Nicholas Solak, who delivered a thoughtful and edifying reflection on keeping our focus on Christ and denying ourselves, drawing inspiration from the life of Saint Mary of Egypt.
Following Vespers, the faithful gathered in the parish hall for a Lenten meal prepared and served by members of the community. This time of fellowship provided an opportunity for clergy and faithful alike to strengthen their bonds in Christ and to continue their shared journey through the Fast in a spirit of love and unity.
Photo credit: Emmelia Potteiger and Elijah Hojnicki
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
