MOUNT CARMEL, PA [DOEPA]
From November 7-9, 2025, the Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. Michael’s Church in Mount Carmel, PA, presiding over the parish’s patronal feastday celebration and spending time with the faithful of the Coal Region.
On Friday, November 7, Great Vespers with Litiya was served by Archpriest Aleksey Paranyuk, Rector. Archbishop Mark presided from the throne. His Eminence was able to meet with Father Aleksey, Matushka Natalia, and their family for dinner and discuss various topics.
On Saturday morning, November 8, Archbishop Mark was greeted upon arrival by Mr. Joseph Tosca, Parish Council President, with the traditional bread and salt. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence. Concelebrating with him were Archpriest Aleksey Paranyuk; Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA; Archpriest Edward Hughes; Archpriest Stephen Vernak; and Priest Kirill Zawatski, together with parish and visiting altar servers. Archpriest James Jadick was also in attendance. The choir, under the direction of Ms. Larissa Holowaty, offered the liturgical responses.
Following the Dismissal, Archbishop Mark offered an archpastoral word. A prayer was also read for the veterans of the parish, and each veteran and their family members present were honored with an icon of St. Michael the Archangel. May God grant them many years!
After the veneration of the Cross, a festive luncheon was prepared and served in the church hall, where veterans were also honored.
On Saturday evening, Archbishop Mark traveled to Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA, for Great Vespers, which was served by Priest Kirill Zawatski, Rector. His Eminence presided from the throne.
On Sunday, November 9, the Feast of St. Nektarios of Aegina, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Archpriest Aleksey Paranyuk concelebrating. The choir was led under the direction of Mrs. Sandra Tosca.
His Eminence offered the homily on the theme of change, speaking about how, as Christians, we must be willing to change in the sense of forgiveness and renewal in our lives.
During the Divine Liturgy, the faithful received the Holy Mysteries.
Following the Dismissal, in honor of the Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven, the parish recognized the ministry of its altar servers. Their service is one of humility and dedication, ensuring that the divine services proceed smoothly so that the clergy may focus on prayer. May God grant Joseph, Michael, and Ioann many years!
After the veneration of the Cross, a meal was again prepared and served in the church hall, providing an opportunity for fellowship and conversation with His Eminence and among the faithful.
Photo credit: Elijah Hojnicki, Matushka Natalia Paranyuk, and others
St. Michael the Archangel, pray unto God for us!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
