WILKES-BARRE, PA [DOEPA]

On Monday, June 1, 2026, the Postfeast of Pentecost, the Day of the Holy Spirit, clergy of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania gathered at Holy Trinity Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, for the continuation of the parish's patronal feast celebration and for a quarterly clergy peer learning gathering focused on mutual support, reflection, and growth in ministry.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest Innocent Neal, Dean of the Wilkes-Barre Deanery and Rector of Holy Trinity Church, with Archpriest Raymond Browne, Diocesan Chancellor and Rector of St. Mark's Church in Wrightstown, PA; Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Diocesan Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA; Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of Pastoral Life for the Orthodox Church in America; and Archpriest Stephen Vernak, Rector of Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA, concelebrating.

In addition to celebrating the parish feast, the clergy convened for their quarterly Clergy Peer Learning Group meeting, facilitated by Archpriest Alexander Garklavs, former Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America, who now resides in retirement in Ohio. Father Alexander also offered the homily during the Divine Liturgy.

The Clergy Peer Learning Group was among the first such groups established within Orthodox Christianity in North America, created to foster mutual support, accountability, personal growth, and fraternal fellowship among clergy. Through regular meetings, participants engage in structured discussion, reflection, and collaborative learning aimed at strengthening both their personal well-being and pastoral ministry.

The group is part of the broader Thriving in Ministry (TiM) initiative, which supports small peer learning groups for Orthodox clergy and clergy wives throughout North America. Guided by trained facilitators, TiM groups provide a structured environment where participants can strengthen pastoral skills, sharpen judgment, navigate challenges in ministry, and cultivate lasting relationships with fellow clergy and clergy wives.

Recognizing that healthy clergy and healthy clergy households contribute directly to flourishing parish communities, the program seeks to support participants in sustaining long-term and effective ministry. Today, numerous clergy and clergy wives peer groups exist across multiple Orthodox jurisdictions throughout the continental United States, serving hundreds of participants committed to continued growth in their vocations. There are now 32 clergy groups throughout Seven Orthodox Christian jurisdictions in the lower 48, as well as 170 Peer Participants.

The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania gives thanks for the continued fellowship and support offered through these gatherings and prays that the Lord will continue to strengthen all clergy and their families as they labor in service to His Holy Church.

Photo credit: Christopher Yanovich

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office