STROUDSBURG, PA [DOEPA]

From January 10-11, 2026, during the Afterfeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made his first Archpastoral Visit of the New Year to Holy Trinity Church in Stroudsburg, PA, leading the faithful in prayer and spending time with the faithful of the parish.

On Saturday, January 10, upon arrival to the temple, His Eminence was warmly greeted by Priest Vjekoslav Jovičić, Rector, along with several members of the parish community. Great Vespers was served by Father Vjekoslav, and His Eminence presided from the throne.

Following the service, His Eminence expressed gratitude for the warm and heartfelt welcome offered by the parish faithful. He reflected on the Matins Gospel, noting that every Sunday carries the joy of Pascha through its resurrectional tone. Father Vjekoslav, in turn, shared his own words of gratitude.

On Sunday, January 11, Archbishop Mark celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Father Vjekoslav concelebrating. Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of Pastoral Life for the Orthodox Church in America, was also present for the Divine Liturgy. The choir, under the direction of Matushka Masha Solak, offered the responses. 

In his homily, His Eminence reflected on the opening words of the Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word,” reminding the faithful that sin leads to death and that Christ began His ministry with the call to repentance, a message first proclaimed by Saint John the Baptist and one that many remain reluctant to hear. He emphasized that those who follow Christ walk in the light, teaching that just as a fish needs water to live, so Christians must remain constantly in the presence of God. Concluding his homily, His Eminence warned that the greatest blindness in the world is blindness that is chosen, when one chooses to walk in darkness.

During the Divine Liturgy, many of the faithful partook of the Holy Mysteries.

Following the Dismissal, Archbishop Mark offered an archpastoral word and further encouragement to Father Vjekoslav, Popadija Dragana, the faithful of Holy Trinity Church, and the entire parish community.

After the veneration of the Cross, a meal was prepared and served in the parish hall, where the faithful gathered for a time of fellowship. This provided an opportunity for parishioners to spend time with His Eminence as the community strengthened its bonds and shared in the spirit of unity in Christ.

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office