Holy Apostles Church Welcomes Six New Catechumens on the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

MECHANICSBURG, PA [DOEPA]

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, welcomed six new catechumens. With these additions, the parish now has 33 catechumens preparing for reception into the Orthodox Church.

The catechumenate is a time of instruction and spiritual preparation during which those seeking to enter the Church deepen their understanding of the Orthodox Faith and grow in the life of prayer, worship, and fellowship within the parish community. Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Diocesan Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church, leads the parish’s “Orthodoxy 101” catechism classes and offers additional classes and lectures throughout the year. Several people have already been baptized at the parish this year. May God guide and strengthen them, and grant them many blessed years!

Father Timothy shared with the Diocesan Media Office:

"While this uptick in those interested in Orthodoxy is not unique to Mechanicsburg, the experience here is not just the beauty of our worship and sound doctrine, but a welcoming community that welcomes those who are coming to us with open arms.”

Founded in June 2004, Holy Apostles was established as a mission of Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA, to serve the growing Orthodox faithful on the western shore of the Susquehanna River. During its early years, the community worshiped in a local mission outreach center, transforming the space into a chapel each weekend before dismantling it following the Divine Liturgy. In June 2005, the mission welcomed Father Timothy as its first full-time rector, marking a significant milestone in its growth within the Orthodox Church in America. Today, through its commitment to liturgical life, faithful stewardship, parish fellowship, and continued growth, Holy Apostles continues to bear witness to the Orthodox Faith throughout the greater Mechanicsburg area and the God-protected Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Photo credit: Brigid O'Leary

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office