Archbishop Mark Makes Archpastoral Visit to Holy Trinity Church on the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

POTTSTOWN, PA [DOEPA]

From September 26–27, 2026, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Church in Pottstown, PA. During the visit, His Eminence presided over the divine services and instructed the faithful on the formation of the Canon of Scripture.

On Saturday, September 26, upon his arrival, Archbishop Mark was greeted by Archpriest John Edward, Rector, and several members of the parish community.

Prior to Great Vespers, His Eminence delivered a presentation titled “Where Did the Bible Come From?” Archbishop Mark traced the historical development of the canon of Scripture and examined the factors that guided the Church in recognizing and preserving the sacred writings. Drawing upon the life and experience of the early Church, he discussed the importance of apostolic tradition, liturgical use, and the witness of the faithful in the formation of the New Testament. His Eminence emphasized that Holy Scripture cannot be separated from the living Tradition of the Church, as the New Testament arose within the Church and continues to guide the faithful in proclaiming the Gospel. The presentation concluded with a period of questions and discussion, allowing those in attendance to deepen their understanding of Holy Scripture and its place within the life of the Church.

Following the lecture, Great Vespers was served by Archpriest John Edward with Protodeacon Deacon Peter Skoog. Archbishop Mark presided from the throne.

A light supper was provided following Vespers. Many of the clergy, faithful, catechumens, and guests were able to sit and speak with His Eminence. This provided additional time for fellowship and conversation.

On Sunday, September 27, upon his arrival at the temple, young girls of the parish welcomed their beloved archpastor with a bouquet of flowers. His Eminence was greeted by Mrs. Debra Brilla, Parish Council President, and by Archpriest John Edward with the Cross. His Eminence Archbishop Mark presided at the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest John Edward and Protodeacon Peter Skoog, together with the parish altar servers. The choir offered prayerful singing under the direction of Reader Gregory Wolosen.

In his homily on Sunday’s Gospel reading of the miraculous catch of fish and the calling of the first disciples (Luke 5:1–11), Archbishop Mark reflected on Christ’s call to become “fishers of men.” His Eminence emphasized that the Church must not only bring new people to Christ, but also welcome and fully incorporate them into the life of the parish. He explained that God has entrusted each person with unique gifts, talents, and abilities that can be offered in service to Him and His Church. Archbishop Mark cautioned against envying those who may appear to have been given more, reminding the faithful that each person will be called to give an account for what he or she has received. He encouraged those present to consider how they are using their God-given gifts and what they can faithfully offer back to Him in gratitude, service, and the proclamation of the Gospel.

Despite the inclement weather, many of the faithful present approached to receive the Holy Eucharist.

Following the dismissal, His Eminence offered an archpastoral word, expressing his gratitude to Father John and the faithful for the continued growth of Holy Trinity Church and the ministry being carried out in Pottstown. Archbishop Mark noted that he serves not only as the archpastor of the Diocese and its faithful, but also as a father and spiritual father to the priests entrusted to his care. In response, Father John thanked His Eminence for the words of guidance he offered during Saturday evening’s presentation and throughout the divine services. He also expressed his gratitude for the Archbishop’s pastoral care for him and for all the clergy of the Diocese.

Archbishop Mark presented Michael and Debra Brilla with a Diocesan Gramota in recognition of their many years of faithful service to Holy Trinity Church. His Eminence read the Gramota aloud, which states: “...Through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and of our Holy Hierarch Tikhon of Moscow, may the grace of God and His eternal mercy be with you.” Father John also sincerely thanked them for their service to Christ and His Church. May God grant them many blessed years!

After the veneration of the Cross and the reading of the post-Communion prayers, His Eminence and the faithful gathered for a meal in the parish hall downstairs, where parishioners enjoyed a time of fellowship and conversation with the Archbishop and one another.

Photo credit: Reader Nicholas and Elijah Hojnicki, Esther and Joaquin Fernandes

Glory to God for all things!

* * *

Holy Trinity Church in Pottstown, PA, was established in 1928 by a small group of Orthodox faithful who desired a parish closer to their homes. The founders formally organized the parish on January 21, 1928, in the home of Thomas Seniuk. Archpriest George Popoff celebrated the parish’s first Divine Liturgy on March 25, 1928, and the faithful chose the Holy Trinity as their patron on April 28, 1928. Construction of the original church began that summer, and the first divine services were celebrated in the completed building on December 16, 1928.

In 1979, the parish purchased its present property at the intersection of Mervine and Juniper Streets. Although the building was not originally designed as an Orthodox church, the faithful gradually transformed and beautified it with a reconstructed altar and ambo, a hand-carved iconostasis, sacred iconography, a bell tower, cupolas, and crosses. These improvements gave the temple its distinctly Orthodox appearance and strengthened the parish’s visible presence within the surrounding community. Throughout its history, Holy Trinity Church has been sustained by generations of devoted clergy and faithful. The parish celebrated its 75th anniversary with His Beatitude Metropolitan Theodosius [Lazor] (+10/19/2020) in 2003.

Nearly a century after its founding, Holy Trinity Church continues the vision of its founders as a center of Orthodox worship, fellowship, and Christian witness in the Pottstown community.