PHILADELPHIA, PA [DOEPA]

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Diocesan Cathedral of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, marked the completion of the 2026 Diaconal Formation Program with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, marking the completion of four semesters of liturgical, theological, and practical formation for six diaconate students.

For the past four semesters, the students gathered each Saturday to participate in the liturgical life of the Cathedral, serving in the altar during the Divine Liturgy alongside Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, Cathedral Dean and Dean of the Philadelphia Deanery, Deacon Tikhon Wallace, and visiting clergy. The students also participated in the liturgical singing of the Divine Liturgy under the direction of Reader Samuel Regen. Following the Divine Liturgy, the students attended two classes each semester taught by Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, Archpriest Milorad Orlić, and Dr. Justin Gohl, receiving instruction in various aspects of theology, liturgics, and diaconal ministry.

During the 2025-2026 academic year, the students also had the opportunity to serve with His Eminence Archbishop Mark during two Hierarchical Divine Liturgies celebrated at the Cathedral, one in October and another in February, providing the students with additional experience in the liturgical life and hierarchical traditions of the Church.

At the conclusion of each Saturday’s program, the students joined the clergy and faithful of the Cathedral in serving and singing the Cathedral Vigil, further deepening their liturgical experience and participation in the life of the Church.

The graduating students of the Diaconal Formations Program are:

• Deacon Alexander Nescott, cleric of St. Herman of Alaska Church in Glen Mills, PA
• Subdeacon Marek Szeliga of St. Mark’s Church in Wrightstown, PA
• Subdeacon Jerome Stafford of Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church in Philadelphia, PA
• Subdeacon Constantine Bergwall of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE
• Reader John Heitzenrater of St. Nicholas Church in Bethlehem, PA
• Reader Patrick O’Leary of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA

The six diaconate students will graduate with certificates from the Diaconal Formation Program on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary. May God grant them many years!

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office