FRACKVILLE, PA [DOEPA]

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA, welcomed clergy and faithful from across the region for a Pan-Orthodox celebration honoring the feast of the Repose of Saint Alexis Toth, Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy in America.

Born in Austro-Hungary in 1854, Saint Alexis became one of the most significant missionary figures in the history of Orthodoxy in North America. After arriving in the United States in 1889 to minister to Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants, Father Alexis endured significant hardship and opposition while faithfully defending the Orthodox Faith. Through his preaching, pastoral care, and steadfast witness, thousands of Carpatho-Rusyn and Galician faithful were reunited to Orthodoxy, forever shaping the future of the Orthodox Church in America. His missionary efforts led to the return and establishment of numerous parishes and continue to bear fruit within the life of the Church today. Saint Alexis’ missionary labors remain especially significant in the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, where generations of faithful continue to be inspired by his example of faith, perseverance, and devotion to the Orthodox Church. His holy relics rest at St. Tikhon's Monastery in South Canaan, PA, where the faithful continue to seek his intercessions.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Carpatho-Rusyn tradition, honoring the ancestral heritage of Saint Alexis Toth. The Liturgy was celebrated by Priest Kirill Zawatski, Rector, with Archpriest Jeffrey Zias, Rector of St. Michael the Archangel Carpatho-Russian Church in St. Clair, PA, and St. Michael the Archangel Carpatho-Russian Church in Freeland, PA, Archpriest Peter Paproski, Rector of Holy Ghost Church Carpatho-Russian in Phoenixville, PA, and Priest Timothy Paproski, Rector of St. Nicholas Carpatho-Russian Church in Warren, OH, concelebrating. The choir responses were led by Mr. Raymond Mastroberte and offered entirely in Prostopinije, contributing to the prayerful and festal atmosphere of the services.

During the Divine Liturgy, the faithful partook of the Holy Mysteries.

After the service, Priest Kirill welcomed the visiting clergy and faithful and offered words reflecting upon the life and witness of Saint Alexis Toth, whose missionary labors and steadfast defense of Orthodoxy continue to inspire the faithful throughout North America. Following the veneration of the Cross, fellowship was held as clergy and faithful gathered together and continued the celebration in honor of Saint Alexis Toth.

O Holy Father Alexis, pray unto God for us!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office