FRACKVILLE, PA [DOEPA]

On Sunday, August 23, 2026, the 12th Sunday after Pentecost and the Leavetaking of the Dormition of the Mother of God, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA. During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, His Eminence vested Father Paul Varchola West and formally received him into the ranks of Orthodox clergy. Father Paul entered the Orthodox Church from the Byzantine Catholic tradition.

Founded in 1914 by Lemko immigrants who settled in the Coal Region to labor in the anthracite coal mines, Holy Ascension Church has remained a steadfast center of Orthodox Christian life for over 110 years. Established through the deep faith and sacrifice of its founding families, the parish grew from humble beginnings into a vibrant spiritual community. For more than a century, it has preserved the rich liturgical and cultural traditions of the Orthodox Church while continuing to serve the faithful through worship, fellowship, education, and outreach, bearing witness to the enduring presence of Orthodoxy in the region.

On Saturday, August 22, Father Paul and Pani Alissa Varchola West, together with their children, Adelaide and Nicholas, formally made their confession of the Faith in preparation for their reception into the Orthodox Church. Together, they affirmed the teachings of the Church and expressed their desire to enter into full communion with her. This solemn occasion prepared the family for Pani Alissa and the children’s reception through Holy Chrismation and Father Paul’s reception into the community of the Orthodox priesthood during the following day’s Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

On Sunday, August 23, prior to His Eminence’s arrival and in accordance with the direction of His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, and Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, Pani Alissa, Adelaide, and Nicholas West were received into the Orthodox Church through the Mystery of Holy Chrismation. Having been sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, they were warmly welcomed into the sacramental life and fellowship of the Church.

Upon his arrival at the temple, the Church bells were rung as His Eminence was greeted by Mr. Michael Kurtz, Parish Council President, with the traditional bread and salt and by Priest Kirill Zawatski, Rector of Holy Ascension Church and Administrator of St. Mary's (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) Church in St. Clair, PA, with the Cross.

Archbishop Mark presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with him were Priest Kirill Zawatski with Deacon Peter Staller, cleric of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA. The choir led the responses under the direction of Ms. Larissa Holowaty, contributing to the beauty of the Hierarchical Liturgy.

His Eminence offered the homily on the Gospel account of the rich young ruler. Archbishop Mark noted that the young man had faithfully observed from his youth the commandments governing one’s relationship with others. Yet when he asked what he still lacked, Christ instructed him to sell his possessions and follow Him. Because the young man possessed great wealth, he departed sorrowfully. Archbishop Mark invited the faithful to examine what they might be withholding from God, whether money, leisure, alcohol, time, or opportunities for self-indulgence. He emphasized that the commandments concerning love for one’s neighbor can be fulfilled properly only when God is loved and placed above everything else. His Eminence challenged those present to consider whether God truly holds first place in their lives and what they might have placed ahead of their love, reverence, and devotion to Him. Like the rich young ruler, every Christian must examine the heart, surrender earthly attachments, and follow Christ without reservation.

Following the Cherubic Hymn and the placing of the Holy Gifts upon the Holy Table, Father Paul Varchola West was presented to His Eminence Archbishop Mark. After receiving the Archbishop’s blessing, Father Paul was vested in the priestly vestments and received into the Orthodox Church as a Priest. Axios!

This Rite of Vesting comes from the practice of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was instituted by Saint Philaret of Moscow specifically for the reception of one who had already been ordained to the priesthood outside the Orthodox Church, such as in the Unia. The rite is distinguished from an ordination to the priesthood in the following manner:

“After the Cherubicon and the placing of the holy gifts on the Holy Table, the candidate is led by Subdeacons, but not through the Holy Doors, rather within the Altar [the candidate has already entered the Altar informally at the beginning of the service] to the Holy Throne (Altar Table) and to the Hierarch, and he reverences him in the manner of one being brought to Ordination. And the Priestly vestments are brought and put on the one being received into the community of the Priesthood. The Hierarch blesses each piece of the vestments, and the one being vested kisses the Hierarch’s hand. . . . After this the one received into the community of the Priesthood receives the kiss of peace from the Hierarch and the rest, in the manner of one just ordained, and he stands with the rest of the Priests and takes part in the Liturgy and in the Communion of the Holy Mysteries. And from thence he has the same power to liturgize as an Orthodox Priest.”

Collection of the Opinions and Judgments of Metropolitan Philaret, Volume V, pp. 952–953. Additional information concerning the rite courtesy of the Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America.

Many of the faithful approached to receive the Holy Mysteries, partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Following the dismissal, Father Kirill, on behalf of the parish community, expressed sincere gratitude for His Eminence Archbishop Mark’s visit and for the joy of welcoming him on this festal occasion. His Eminence then offered an archpastoral word, congratulating Father Paul and his family upon their reception into the Orthodox Church and welcoming Father Paul into the community of the Orthodox priesthood. He welcomed them "home" and encouraged the West family as they began this new chapter in their life of faith and service to Christ and His Holy Church. His Eminence also announced that Archpriest Paul West would be assigned to serve as Acting Rector of Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Minersville, PA, effective September 1, 2026.

His Eminence presented a Synodal Gramota to Mr. John Malinchok in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the Church and the parish of Holy Ascension. May God grant him many years!

On behalf of the parish community, Archbishop Mark presented flowers to Pani Alissa West. He then offered Pani Olivia Zawatski the bouquet he had received upon his arrival at the church. His Eminence congratulated Pani Alissa upon her reception into the Orthodox Church and thanked Pani Olivia for her devotion and faithful service to the Church.

As the faithful came forward to venerate the Cross, they were given the opportunity to greet Archpriest Paul and welcome him into the community of the Orthodox priesthood. Afterward, a festive luncheon was prepared and served in the church hall, where His Eminence, the clergy, the West family, and the faithful continued the celebration in fellowship.

On behalf of the Clergy, Matushki, and Faithful of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, the Diocesan Media Office extends its warmest congratulations to Archpriest Paul, Pani Alissa, their children, Adelaide and Nicholas on their reception into the Orthodox Faith. May God grant them many years! Axios!

Photo credit: Reader Nicholas and Elijah Hojnicki

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office