Archbishop Mark Visits St. Vladimir's Church on the 16th Sunday after Pentecost

LOPEZ, PA [DOEPA]

From September 19–20, 2026, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, during the Afterfeast of the Elevation of the Cross, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir's Church in Lopez, PA, where he presided over the divine services and spent time with the faithful.

On Saturday, September 19, His Eminence arrived at the church and was greeted. Great Vespers was served by Archpriest Gregory White, Retired, with His Eminence presiding from the throne. Following the service, Father Gregory welcomed His Eminence. Archbishop Mark expressed gratitude for the welcome extended to him by the faithful of the parish.

On Sunday, September 20, Archbishop Mark celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Archpriest Gregory concelebrating.

Prior to the Divine Liturgy, Allen Williams, Father of Matthew Williams, Parish Council Preident, was chrismated by His Eminence and received into the fullness of the Orthodox Faith, taking the name Alfred. May God grant him many years!

In his homily, Archbishop Mark reflected on the unique gifts, talents, and abilities that God has entrusted to each person. Drawing upon the Parable of the Talents, His Eminence cautioned against becoming envious of those who may appear to have been given more, emphasizing instead that each person will be called to give an account for what he or she has received. Archbishop Mark encouraged the faithful to consider how they are using the gifts God has given them and to ask what they can faithfully offer back to Him in gratitude and service.

Following the Dismissal, His Eminence offered an archpastoral word to the faithful. Archbishop Mark spoke about the continued growth of the parish community in Lopez and encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in their commitment to building up the life of the Church. His Eminence expressed his joy at the morning’s chrismation and at witnessing the continued life and ministry of the parish. He assured the faithful of his prayers and encouragement for the continued growth and strengthening of their parish community.

Following the veneration of the Cross, a meal was prepared and served in the parish hall, providing an opportunity for fellowship and conversation with His Eminence and among the faithful.

Glory to God for all things!

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Founded in 1906, St. Vladimir's Church traces its beginnings to a small group of Orthodox Christians who formed the Society of St. Nicholas under the leadership of Dimitri Evanoyko. With the assistance of Saint Alexis Toth, the community celebrated its first Divine Liturgy in the home of Theodore Shymansky. In 1907, the faithful purchased and renovated a former Methodist church, dedicating it to St. Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles. Though its membership has never exceeded 75 families, the parish has remained a faithful Orthodox presence in Lopez for more than a century, enduring periods of hardship and renewal. Fires damaged the church in 1911 and again in 1955, requiring the replacement of its iconostasis and many icons. A parish hall was constructed in 1940, the community celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 1957, and a new altar table was consecrated by Archbishop Dimitry [Magan] (+4/1/1970) in 1961.

The parish has also nurtured several notable vocations, including Archpriest Paul Borick, Archpriest Andrew Matychak, and Mother Christophora [Matychak], Abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA. This enduring legacy continues today through the parish’s steadfast witness to the Orthodox Faith and the devotion of its faithful community.