BATH, PA [DOEPA COMMUNICATIONS]
On Sunday, May 10, 2026, on behalf of the Clergy, Matushki, and Faithful of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, the Diocesan Media Office extends their warmest congratulations to our beloved Vladyka, His Eminence Archbishop Mark, on the occasion of his 12th Anniversary of Enthronement as Diocesan Hierarch.
Born in New Albany, IN, His Eminence was received into the Orthodox Church in 1989 and later attended St. Vladimir's Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. Following his ordination to the diaconate and priesthood in 1997, Archbishop Mark faithfully served parish communities before being consecrated to the episcopacy on Sunday, December 5, 2004. He was received into the Orthodox Church in America on Saturday, January 1, 2011, and given the title of Bishop of Baltimore. On Friday, January 17, 2014, he was nominated to fill the vacant Episcopal See of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania during a special Diocesan Assembly at St. Nicholas Church, having served as the Diocese’s Administrator since 2012.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2014, he was elected by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America to fill the vacant Episcopal See of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.
On Saturday, May 10, 2014, His Eminence was enthroned as Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA. Presiding at the Divine Liturgy was His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, with His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and His Grace Bishop Michael of New York and New Jersey concelebrating. Clergy and faithful from across the Diocese gathered for the historic occasion, with liturgical responses offered by a combined diocesan choir under the direction of Reader Nicholas Lezinsky of St. Nicholas Church in Bethlehem, PA.
During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Mark encouraged the faithful to “acquire attributes conducive to a healthy diocese,” reminding the clergy and faithful that “Love comes first in our Church life, and foremost love for Christ.” At the conclusion of the services, Metropolitan Tikhon presented the archpastoral staff to Bishop Mark, who then ascended the cathedra and offered his blessing to the Diocese entrusted to his care. A banquet honoring the newly-enthroned Bishop Mark followed in Trevose, PA, where clergy, faithful, and guests from across the Orthodox community gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. He was elevated to the rank of Archbishop during the 2015 Spring Session of the Holy Synod and has faithfully presided as Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania for the past twelve years. Throughout his ministry, His Eminence has remained deeply committed to the spiritual growth, unity, and continued strengthening of the Diocese.
For more than twelve years, Archbishop Mark’s leadership has provided steady support to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese. Through his dedication to Christ and the Church, His Eminence has emphasized prayer, stewardship, outreach, and active participation in parish life. Through regular visits to parishes across the Diocese, Archbishop Mark continues to offer guidance to communities throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and beyond. His leadership has strengthened parish life, supported vocations, and encouraged the faithful to use their gifts in service to the Church. Recognizing the growing importance of communication and outreach, Archbishop Mark formally established the Diocesan Media Office on May 6, 2024, helping the Diocese remain connected with the faithful through digital platforms and media resources.
We, as a Diocese, prayerfully wish His Eminence Archbishop Mark many blessed years, asking the Lord to continue granting him good health, peace, wisdom, strength, and guidance in his archpastoral ministry as he faithfully shepherds the God-protected Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. Through the prayers and intercessions of Saint Mark the Evangelist, Saint Tikhon of Moscow, and Saint Alexis of Wilkes-Barre, may the Lord preserve His Eminence for many fruitful and blessed years.
Photo credit: Subdeacon Roman Ostash and Anastasia Harry
EIS POLLA ETI DESPOTA!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
