FRACKVILLE, PA [DOEPA]
From April 25-26, 2026, the Third Sunday of Holy Pascha, the Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women with the Noble Joseph, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA, where he presided at the divine services and offered archpastoral exhortation to the faithful during the Paschal season.
Founded in 1914 by Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants who settled in the Coal Region to labor in the anthracite coal mines, Holy Ascension Church has remained a steadfast center of Orthodox Christian life for over 110 years. Established through the deep faith and sacrifice of its founding families, the parish grew from humble beginnings into a vibrant spiritual community. For more than a century, it has preserved the rich liturgical and cultural traditions of the Orthodox Church while continuing to serve the faithful through worship, fellowship, education, and outreach, bearing witness to the enduring presence of Orthodoxy in the region.
On Saturday, April 25, His Eminence arrived at the temple and was warmly greeted by Priest Kirill Zawatski, Rector, together with members of the parish community. Great Vespers was served by Father Kirill, with Archbishop Mark presiding from the throne, as clergy and faithful gathered in prayerful anticipation of the Lord’s Day. During Great Vespers, His Eminence blessed a newly prepared icon of the Wedding Feast at Cana in Galilee, invoking God’s grace upon it as a sacred image for the edification and prayer of the faithful. He also blessed the kamilavka to be bestowed, marking both a moment of spiritual significance and a visible sign of the Church’s recognition of faithful pastoral service. Following the service, Father Kirill welcomed His Eminence and conveyed the heartfelt gratitude of the parish for his archpastoral visit. Archbishop Mark likewise expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and offered words of encouragement, calling the faithful to remain steadfast in their life in Christ, especially during the joyful days of Pascha.
On Sunday, April 26, upon his arrival, the Church bells were rung as His Eminence was greeted by Mr. Michael Kurtz, Parish Council President, and by Father Kirill with the Cross. Archbishop Mark presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with him were Priest Kirill Zawatski and Deacon Peter Staller, cleric of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA. The choir prayerfully led the responses under the direction of Ms. Larissa Holowaty, contributing to the solemn beauty of the divine service.
Also present for the divine services was Archpriest James Melnic of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, who offered his prayers alongside the clergy and faithful. A longtime spiritual father and mentor to Priest Kirill Zawatski, Father James faithfully served at Protection of the Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church in McAdoo, PA, where he played a formative role in his spiritual life and discernment, helping guide him toward his vocation to the Holy Priesthood in the Orthodox Church.
At the Little Entrance, His Eminence Archbishop Mark awarded Father Kirill the right to wear the kamilavka in recognition of his dedicated and faithful service to the Church. Axios!
During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence delivered the homily, reflecting on the witness of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, their unwavering devotion, and their role as the first to proclaim the Resurrection. He spoke of their courage, faith, and love for Christ, encouraging the faithful to emulate their example and to live as bearers of the joy of Pascha in their daily lives.
Many of the faithful approached to receive the Holy Mysteries, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ and thus entering more deeply into the life of the Risen Lord.
Following the dismissal, His Eminence Archbishop Mark delivered an archpastoral exhortation to the faithful. Father Kirill, on behalf of the parish, expressed sincere gratitude for His Eminence’s visit, noting the joy and honor of welcoming him for this festal occasion. In his remarks, Archbishop Mark offered words of encouragement to Father Kirill, Pani Olivia, and all gathered at Holy Ascension Church, reflecting with appreciation on the strong attendance and continued growth of the Church throughout the Coal Region. He expressed particular joy in witnessing a full temple, seeing both longtime parishioners and younger generations actively participating in the life of the Church.
Following the reading of the post-communion prayers, a festal meal was served in the Church hall, where the faithful gathered in joyful fellowship. This time together provided an opportunity for parishioners to spend time with their Vladyka, strengthen bonds of Christian love, and celebrate in a spirit of Paschal joy.
Photo credit: Elijah Hojnicki
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
