WRIGHTSTOWN, PA [DOEPA]

From June 13-14, 2026, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost and the Feast of the Synaxis of All Saints of North America, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. Mark's Church in Wrightstown, PA, where he presided at the divine services, performed an ordination to the Holy Diaconate, and offered words of encouragement concerning the continued growth and vitality of parish life throughout the Diocese.

Founded on November 15, 1972, St. Mark's Church in Wrightstown, PA, began as a mission parish established by a small group of faithful seeking to create a parish community open to Orthodox Christians of all backgrounds. The first services were celebrated at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Doylestown, PA, while some of the earliest gatherings were held in the homes of parishioners. On November 2, 1974, His Eminence Archbishop Kiprian [Borisevich] (+12/14/80) formally confirmed the mission's dedication to St. Mark the Apostle and Evangelist. The parish was served by a number of dedicated clergy during its formative years, including Archpriest Vladimir Borichevsky, who guided the community through much of its early development, as well as Archpriest John Kowalczyk, former Diocesan Chancellor and Director of Vocations and Spiritual Formation at St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary. Under the pastoral leadership of Archpriest Stephen Karaffa, who was assigned in 1986, the parish acquired its present five-acre property in Wrightstown, PA. Construction of the Church began in August 1988, and the temple was consecrated on October 14, 1989, by His Grace Bishop Herman [Swaiko], the future Metropolitan Herman (+9/6/22). Since December 2012, the parish has been served by Archpriest Raymond Browne, under whose leadership the community continues to grow in faith, ministry, and service.

On Saturday, June 13, upon arrival at the temple, His Eminence was warmly greeted by Archpriest Raymond Browne, Diocesan Chancellor and Rector of St. Mark's Church, along with clergy and faithful of the parish community. Great Vespers was served with His Eminence presiding from the throne. At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Mark addressed the faithful, reflecting on the many signs of physical and spiritual growth evident throughout the Diocese and in its parishes. He encouraged the faithful to recognize the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany this growth and exhorted all present to meet the needs of the Church with faith, dedication, and a spirit of service, drawing inspiration from the witness of the Saints of North America.

On Sunday, June 14, His Eminence arrived for the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The Church bells rang as Archbishop Mark was greeted by young girls of the parish bearing bouquets of flowers, warmly welcoming their beloved Vladyka to St. Mark's Church. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Raymond Browne together with Protodeacon Gregory Moser. The parish altar servers assisted in the divine services. The choir offered prayerful singing under the direction of Mrs. Daria Cortése.

In his homily, Archbishop Mark reflected on the witness of the Saints of North America and the responsibility entrusted to every generation of Orthodox Christians. Noting that the Church in North America was built through the faith, sacrifice, and dedication of those who came before us, His Eminence encouraged the faithful to continue building up the life of the parish and the Church as a whole. He reminded those gathered that each person has been given unique gifts for the edification of the Body of Christ and that, through faithful service, God continues to raise up saints in every generation.

After the Eucharistic Canon, His Eminence ordained Subdeacon Marek Szeliga to the Holy Diaconate. The newly ordained Deacon Marek, having completed the St. Tikhon's Diaconal Formation Program in Philadelphia, PA, will fulfill his service at St. Mark's Church. Axios!

At the Divine Liturgy, many of the faithful approached to receive Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Mark offered an archpastoral word to the faithful. Father Raymond, on behalf of the parish community, expressed sincere gratitude for His Eminence's visit, noting the joy and blessing of welcoming him for this festal occasion and for the ordination of Marek Szeliga to the Holy Diaconate. Father Raymond also presented Archbishop Mark with a gift on behalf of the parish in anticipation of both Father's Day and His Eminence's birthday on June 22, expressing the community's gratitude for his archpastoral leadership, devoted service to the Diocese, and continued support of St. Mark's Church.

In recognition of this joyous milestone, His Eminence presented the bouquets of flowers he had received upon his arrival to Matushka Renee Szeliga, offering his congratulations and prayers on the ordination of her husband, Deacon Marek.

Special recognition was given to several parishioners celebrating significant wedding anniversaries during the coming year, including Protodeacon Gregory and Matushka Martha Moser, Subdeacon Sergei and Irene Arhipov, the newly ordained Deacon Marek and Matushka Renee Szeliga, Matthew and Melissa Bennett, and Nicholas and Jamie Bendas. The parish community extended its congratulations and prayers for many blessed years.

The parish also recognized its graduates, presenting them with cards and icons in honor of their accomplishments and as blessings for their future endeavors. Among those recognized were Deacon Marek Szeliga, Reader Samuel Regen, Kevin McCullough, and Kaitlyn Talj.

Following the announcements, the clergy and faithful processed to the site of the future altar of the parish's planned Church expansion. There, Archbishop Mark blessed a newly planted cross and the area. Prayers were offered for the continued growth of the parish and the successful completion of its future building efforts.

A festive luncheon featuring both catered and homemade fasting dishes and desserts was served in the parish hall following the services. The afternoon was marked by warm fellowship among the clergy, faithful, family members, and guests gathered for the celebration. The parish extends heartfelt gratitude to the many faithful whose dedicated efforts made the weekend possible through their work in preparation, hospitality, liturgical service, music, and fellowship. Special appreciation is also offered to the choir, readers, altar servers, and all who contributed to the beauty and prayerfulness of the services.

Photo credit: Reader Samuel Regen, Matushka Heidi Browne, Charla Bendas, and Colin Miller

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office