GLEN MILLS, PA [DOEPA]

From August 8-9, 2026, the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. Herman of Alaska Church in Glen Mills, PA, for the parish’s patronal celebration of the Feast of the Glorification of Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America.

Founded in 1973 by a group of dedicated Orthodox Christians seeking to establish an Orthodox presence in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, St. Herman of Alaska Church has grown into a vibrant parish community serving the faithful of Delaware and Chester Counties. The parish celebrated its first Divine Liturgy on September 30, 1973 at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement in Morton, PA, before later establishing its first permanent home in Wallingford, PA. In 1993, the parish acquired its current property in Gradyville, where the present temple, inspired by the architecture of Alaskan Orthodox churches associated with St. Herman, was consecrated on June 18, 1995, by His Eminence Archbishop Herman [Swaiko] (+9/6/22) and His Eminence Archbishop Gregory [Afonsky] (+4/15/08). More than five decades after its founding, the parish continues its witness to the Orthodox Faith through worship, fellowship, Christian education, and service to the surrounding community.

On Saturday, August 8, His Eminence arrived at the temple and was warmly greeted by Archpriest Paul Fetsko, Rector, together with members of the parish community. Great Vespers was served by Father Paul and Deacon Alexander Nescott, with His Eminence presiding from the throne. Following the service, Father Paul welcomed Archbishop Mark on behalf of the parish community and expressed his sincere gratitude for His Eminence’s archpastoral visit and prayers. In response, Archbishop Mark thanked the clergy and faithful for their warm hospitality and prayerful reception and offered words of encouragement in preparation for the following morning’s celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

On Sunday, August 9, the parish bells were rung as His Eminence arrived and was welcomed with the traditional offering of bread and salt. Archbishop Mark celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Archpriest Paul Fetsko and Priest Joseph Toroney concelebrating and Deacons Alexander Nescott, Gregory Hubiak, and Steven Orr serving. The liturgical responses were sung by the parish choir under the direction of Reader Alexander Hubiak.

His Eminence offered the homily, reflecting on the Dormition Fast and the Gospel account of Christ healing the demon-possessed boy who repeatedly cast himself into fire and water. Archbishop Mark reminded the faithful that spiritual knowledge alone is insufficient, emphasizing that it does not matter how much one reads or studies, or how many academic credentials one possesses, if that knowledge is not put into faithful action. His Eminence encouraged those present to make proper use of the gifts and opportunities entrusted to them by God, particularly through prayer, fasting, repentance, and acts of Christian love.

Many of the faithful received Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Throughout the patronal celebration, the clergy and faithful were given the opportunity to venerate relics of Saint Herman of Alaska.

Following the dismissal, Father Paul expressed the parish community’s sincere gratitude for His Eminence’s archpastoral visit, noting the joy and blessing of welcoming him for the feast. Archbishop Mark then addressed the faithful, offering words of spiritual encouragement and expressing his joy at witnessing the parish’s continued growth and vibrant spiritual life.

After the veneration of the Cross, the clergy and faithful gathered for a festal meal served in the parish hall.

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office