GETTYSBURG, PA [DOEPA]

From May 9-10, 2026, the Fifth Sunday of Holy Pascha, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. John the Theologian Mission in Gettysburg, PA, presiding over the divine services and offering archpastoral guidance and encouragement to the Mission community and its faithful.

St. John the Theologian Mission was founded in 2022 as a mission community originating from Holy Apostles Church. In its earliest days, services were celebrated monthly by 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, who faithfully provided pastoral care and leadership to the growing community until the arrival of Archpriest Leonid Schmidt, who would later assume the role of Rector and continue the mission’s development and growth. Beginning humbly in a local funeral home, the mission community later transitioned to a hotel meeting space before eventually establishing its current home within an adjacent building on the property of a longstanding Protestant parish outside Gettysburg. Despite its modest beginnings, the mission has continued to steadily grow and flourish, bearing witness to the expansion of Orthodox Christianity within the region. As the newest mission community within the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, St. John the Theologian Mission possesses significant potential and a bright future as it continues to develop into a vibrant and authentic Orthodox Christian presence serving the greater Gettysburg area.

On Saturday, May 9, upon arrival at the Mission, His Eminence was warmly greeted by Archpriest Leonid Schmidt, Rector, and members of the community. Great Vespers was servedby Father Leonid, with Archbishop Mark presiding from the throne. At the conclusion of the service, Father Leonid conveyed his sincere gratitude to His Eminence for his presence, guidance, and continued archpastoral care of the mission community. A meal was subsequently prepared and served, during which His Eminence enjoyed fellowship with members of the faithful and engaged in thoughtful discussion with Father Leonid concerning the continued development, spiritual growth, and future direction of the mission.

On Sunday, May 10, Archbishop Mark celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Father Leonid Schmidt with Deacon Peter Staller, cleric of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA. The choir was led under the direction of Matushka Laura Schmidt.

During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence offered the homily by speaking on the profound and immeasurable love of God for mankind, emphasizing that the Lord continually calls every person to Himself with mercy, compassion, and a desire for their salvation. Reflecting on the appointed Gospel reading of the Samaritan Woman, Archbishop Mark spoke on how Christ deliberately went out of His way to encounter the Samaritan Woman at the well, despite the social, cultural, and religious divisions that existed between Jews and Samaritans. His Eminence explained that this sacred encounter reveals the depth of God’s love and demonstrates that no person is beyond the reach of His grace, forgiveness, and care. Drawing from the Gospel account, Archbishop Mark reminded the faithful that God does not abandon or hate His people, but instead continually seeks them out, offering the living water of eternal life to all who turn to Him in faith and repentance.

At the Divine Liturgy, many of the Mission's faithful received the Holy Body and Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ.

Following the dismissal, His Eminence offered words of encouragement to Father Leonid, the faithful of St. John the Theologian Mission, and all those gathered, urging them to remain steadfast and proactive in continuing to share the Gospel and build up the life of the mission community. On behalf of the faithful, Father Leonid expressed sincere gratitude to Archbishop Mark for his archpastoral visit, noting the joy and blessing of welcoming their Archpastor to the mission. Father Leonid also extended congratulations to His Eminence on the occasion of the 12th Anniversary of his Enthronement as Diocesan Hierarch of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

The youth of the mission community then presented Archbishop Mark with flowers as a gesture of love and appreciation. In a heartfelt expression of gratitude on the occasion of Mother’s Day, His Eminence subsequently presented the flowers to Matushka Laura in recognition of her devoted service, steadfast support, and many sacrifices and labors offered for the benefit of the mission community and its faithful.

Following the Divine Liturgy and the veneration of the Cross, a festal Paschal potluck meal was lovingly prepared and served by members of the parish community, providing the faithful with an opportunity for joyful fellowship during this radiant season of Holy Pascha. Parishioners and guests gathered together in a spirit of Christian love and unity, enjoying time spent with His Eminence and one another as they continued the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. The gathering offered a meaningful opportunity for conversation, fellowship, and the strengthening of the bonds of faith and community within the parish family.

During the fellowship, it was also announced that a donation had been made by the mission community to St. Tikhon’s Summer Camp in support of its continued ministry and work with Orthodox youth.

Photo credit: Mrs. Maria Koropsak and others

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office