PHILADELPHIA, PA [DOEPA]
On Friday, April 17, 2026, Bright Friday, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania presided over the patronal feast of Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring Mission in Philadelphia, PA. During his visit, His Eminence presided at the festal divine services, offered archpastoral exhortation on the significance of the feast, and spent time in fellowship with the gathered faithful.
The mission traces its beginnings to 2010, when, with the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, then Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania (now Primate of the Orthodox Church in America), a priest was appointed to minister to the growing Russian-speaking community in Philadelphia. The community first took root at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where the faithful gathered for prayer and the celebration of the divine services, laying the foundation for what has since become a vibrant mission parish.
On Friday morning, prior to His Eminence’s arrival for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, water was blessed in accordance with the tradition of the feast of the Life-Giving Spring.
Upon his arrival, young girls of the parish welcomed their beloved Vladyka with a bouquet of flowers. Archbishop Mark was greeted by Mr. Dmitry Omelyansky, Parish Council Warden, and by Archpriest Nikolai Gulin, Rector, who warmly received His Eminence on behalf of the parish community with the Cross. Archbishop Mark presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Nikolai Gulin; 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; Archpriest Vasily Zelenyuk (ROCOR), Rector of the Church of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in Staten Island, NY; Priest Alexander Revyuk, Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn, NY; and Priest Kirill Zawatski, Rector of Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA, together with Deacon Alexey Golubov (Moscow Patriarchate), cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City. The choir was led under the direction of Mrs. Tatiana Melomedov.
In his homily, Archbishop Mark reflected on the call to proclaim the joy of Pascha in every language, encouraging the faithful to carry this joy beyond the walls of the Church and into their daily lives, becoming witnesses to the Risen Lord in both word and deed.
Many of the faithful approached and received the Holy Eucharist, partaking of the Holy Mysteries in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving.
Following the Ambo Prayer, a procession was held around the Church. At each side, the clergy and faithful paused as they were blessed with Holy Water during the singing of “Christ is Risen,” and the Holy Gospel was proclaimed at the doors of the temple, in accordance with the festal tradition of Bright Friday.
Upon returning to the Church, His Eminence extended heartfelt congratulations to Father Nikolai, Matushka Viktoriya, and the faithful of the mission, encouraging them to continue their labors in service to Christ and His Church. As a sign of appreciation, he presented the bouquet of roses he had received upon his arrival to Matushka Viktoriya, recognizing her dedication and many efforts on behalf of the parish community.
“Many Years” was intoned for Priest Kirill Zawatski on the occasion of his 33rd birthday. May God grant him many years!
Following the veneration of the Cross, a festive meal accompanied by joyful singing was held in the Church hall. The gathering was further enriched by numerous toasts and heartfelt speeches, as clergy and faithful alike offered words of gratitude, encouragement, and well wishes, reflecting the unity, love, and Paschal joy shared by the parish community.
Photo credit: Archpriest Vasily Zelenyuk and Elijah Hojnicki
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
