COALDALE, PA [DOEPA]

On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Church in Coaldale, PA.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Mark, with Archpriest James Weremedic, Rector, concelebrating. Also in attendance was Archpriest Paul Ropitsky, former rector of Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA, who prayed in the altar. Gathering with the clergy and faithful of the parish, His Eminence led the community in prayer as the Church continued her Lenten journey toward Holy Week and the radiant Feast of Feasts, Pascha.

His Eminence offered the homily on the appointed Gospel reading from Gospel of Mark (10:32–45), in which the Lord foretells His Passion and teaches His disciples the true meaning of greatness. Reflecting on Christ’s words, “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant,” Archbishop Mark emphasized that the Christian life is not one of seeking honor or recognition, but of humility, sacrifice, and service to others, following the example of Christ Himself, “who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” His Eminence further connected this Gospel message to the life of our Venerable Mother Mary of Egypt, whose profound repentance stands as a powerful witness to transformation in Christ. Through her life of ascetic struggle and complete turning toward God, she reveals that true greatness is found not in worldly status, but in humility, repentance, and total devotion to the Lord.

During the Divine Liturgy, the faithful present received the Holy Mysteries.

Following the Dismissal, His Eminence offered an archpastoral word. Father James expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Mark for his presence and kind words. Following the Veneration of the Cross, a  meal was held in the Church hall, where the faithful gathered for a time of fellowship. The event provided a warm opportunity for parishioners to speak with His Eminence and enjoy the company of their fellow Orthodox Christians.

St. Mary’s Church in Coaldale, PA, traces its founding to 1909, when a group of devoted Orthodox faithful, led by Professor Elias G. Boruch and Theodore Pluta, and guided by Archpriest Michael Fekula of St. Clair, PA, labored to establish a parish community. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Platon, Saint Alexander Hotovitsky was appointed to organize the parish, bringing together faithful from diverse backgrounds who sought to live fully within the Orthodox Church. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated on September 26, 1909, in a local public school on Phillips Street, followed shortly by the formal establishment of the parish. By 1914, a permanent temple had been constructed, with its cornerstone consecrated by Archbishop Platon. The beautifully adorned church, including its hand-carved iconostasis and iconography inspired by the tradition of St. Vladimir Cathedral in Russia, stood as a testament to the faith and sacrifice of its founding members. Throughout the decades, generations of clergy and faithful have preserved and nurtured the life of the parish, remaining steadfast in the Orthodox faith. Today, St. Mary’s Church continues to be a light set on a hill for all to see, and it is prayerfully hoped that the Theotokos and the Lord Himself will continue to bless this community as it brings the message of the Gospel to those who will listen.

Glory to God for all things!