MECHANICSBURG, PA [DOEPA]
On Sunday, December 21, 2025, Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joyfully received Michael (Dismas) and Monica Scarborough into the Holy Orthodox Church on the Sunday before the Nativity, while also celebrating the season with parish gratitude, fellowship, and its Annual Gingerbread Contest themed “Christmas Carols.”
During the Divine Liturgy, Michael and Monica into the fullness of the Orthodox faith through the sacrement of Holy Chrismation. The parish also extended congratulations and gratitude to their sponsors, Joseph Kurtz and Matushka Anastasia Hojnicki. May God grant them all many blessed years!
Following the dismissal, on behalf of the parish council and the faithful, Angela Thimis, Parish Council President, expressed its appreciation to the clergy and choir leadership for their faithful service by presenting Christmas gifts to Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church, the Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris, Priest Theodore Pulcini (ANT-ret.), as well as to Choir Director, Barbara Linnehan.
The day continued with the parish’s Annual Gingerbread Contest, a beloved tradition that brings parishioners of all ages together in fellowship. This year’s theme, “Christmas Carols,” inspired a wide variety of creative and festive gingerbread creations, each reflecting the joy and hymnography of the Nativity season. Through the reception of new members, expressions of gratitude, and shared fellowship, Holy Apostles Church marked the Sunday before the Nativity as a joyful reflection of parish life, united in faith and love as the faithful prepared to welcome the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
