OLD FORGE, PA [DOEPA]
From January 29-30, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania presided over the 62nd Annual Diocesan Assembly hosted at St. Michael Church in Old Forge, PA, where clergy, delegates, and observers from the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania gathered for prayer, meetings, and fellowship.
On Thursday, January 29, the meeting opened with a prayer, invoking Almighty God’s guidance for a fruitful and efficient gathering. His Eminence addressed the clergy, delegates, and observers, offering words of welcome and reflection as the assembly began its work. The meeting was officially called to order, marking the start of the assembly.
Session I began with a Hierarchical Address from His Eminence. He drew from the Epistle to the Ephesians and the writings of St. Ignatius of Antioch, “We must not only call ourselves a Christian, but we must also be Christian.” Let us ask ourselves, “If we could be arrested for being a Christian, would there be significant and substantial evidence to convict us?” His Eminence called the faithful to an authentic Christian life marked by faith and love lived in practice, emphasizing that the Church’s mission is the making of saints.
Archbishop Mark highlighted encouraging demographic growth in many parishes, particularly among young families and children. He noted that parishes experiencing vitality and sustained growth are those intentionally investing in catechesis, Church School, adult education, and fellowship following Divine Services, which help integrate newcomers into parish life and strengthen communal bonds.
Continuing his address, Archbishop Mark also addressed key diocesan responsibilities, including proper clergy care and compensation, faithful stewardship, and administrative accountability. He reaffirmed the Diocesan Assembly’s 2016 decision to implement a ten-percent tithe of parish income, expressing concern that not all parishes are honoring this commitment, and called for renewed trust in God through faithful giving. His Eminence further reported positively on the growth of diocesan youth ministry while stressing the importance of timely Annual Meeting documentation, Parish Council confirmation, and strict compliance with background check requirements. He concluded by thanking diocesan administration, clergy, staff, volunteers, and parish leaders for their service and asked forgiveness as the Church prepares to enter Great Lent.
After the first session, attendees enjoyed a meal prepared by the faithful of St. Michael's Parish, followed by Great Vespers served by 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, with Protodeacon Peter Skoog also serving. The responses were sung by a male choir under the direction of Archpriest Nikolai Breckenridge, Rector of St. Nicholas Church in Bethlehem, PA.
Following the Dismissal, a Memorial Litya was served for all departed clergy and faithful of the diocese. May their memories be eternal! Ð’ÐµÑ‡Ð½Ð°Ñ Ð¿Ð°Ð¼ÑÑ‚ÑŒ!
Following the services, His Eminence offered an archpastoral word and congratulated Father Timothy on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood and Protodeacon Peter on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate! May God grant them and their families many years! Axios!
This year’s guest speaker for the Assembly was Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary. In his talk, Father John reflected on the Church’s responsibility to welcome others into the life of the parish and offered practical guidance for strengthening outreach. He emphasized that welcoming is not limited to initial encounters, but is a sustained expression of the Church’s missionary identity and pastoral care. Father John previously served as Rector of Holy Ascension Church in Mount Pleasant, SC, from 2003-2018, one of the most successful mission parishes of the Orthodox Church in America.
Father John spoke about the importance of intentionally weaving new people into the fabric of the Church so that they move from being visitors to active members of the parish community. He encouraged parishes to foster personal relationships, provide clear points of connection, and create opportunities for participation in worship, education, and service. By cultivating a culture of attentiveness and inclusion, Father John noted that parishes can more effectively nurture faith, build strong communal bonds, and support healthy and enduring parish life.
After the session, a wine and cheese social was held in the Church hall, providing a chance for fellowship among the clergy and faithful in attendance.
On Friday, January 30, the Feast of the Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Mark. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Raymond Browne, Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania and Rector of St. Mark's Church in Wrightstown, PA, Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, Dean of the Philadelphia Deanery and Dean of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA, Archpriest Innocent Neal, Dean of the Wilkes-Barre Deanery and Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, with Protodeacon Peter Skoog and Deacon Peter Staller. Subdeacon Jacob Kurtz, a diocesan seminarian at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, served alongside visiting subdeacons and altar servers from across the Diocese.
The choir was beautifully led under the direction of Priest John Black.
The homily was offered by Priest Paul Witek, Rector of All Saints Church in Olyphant, PA, and Academic Dean at St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary.
During the Divine Liturgy, many of the faithful present received the Body and Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Following the Liturgy, a meal was served in the Church hall, allowing attendees to enjoy fellowship before continuing with the day's activities. After the meal, Session II of the assembly commenced.
Session II convened with delegates reminded to review all reports in advance, as they were not read aloud during the session. An updated Credentials Report was presented, followed by a question-and-answer period on diocesan administrative reports and their approval. Reports under consideration included those of the Chancellor, Diocesan Deans, Metropolitan Council, Diocesan Council Secretary, and Auditors, as well as updates on the Diocesan Media Office, Missions, and Diocesan Camps and Retreats, including summer camp and teen retreats. Following a motion to move forward, Session III of the assembly commenced.
During Session III, Mr. John Buckeye, Lay Chairman, expressed his gratitude to His Eminence for his leadership of the Diocese and praised the beautiful Divine Liturgy that morning. An overwhelming applause followed these statements. During this session, Mr. Mark Linnehan, Diocesan Treasurer, presented the Treasury Report and 2026 Budget Proposal, providing a comprehensive overview of the Diocese's financial status. These reports were shared in advance on the diocesan website. He confirmed that the financial state of the Diocese is strong, with all obligations met and assets increasing.
During the Assembly, Priest Silouan Burns, Rector of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Wilmington, DE, and Reader Nicholas Hojnicki, Director of Communications and Personal Aide to the Archbishop, served as secretaries.
The 63rd Annual Diocesan Assembly will take place from January 28-29, 2027, at Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA.
The meeting adjourned concluding with the singing of “It is truly meet...” The session included important decisions and acknowledgments, marking a successful and productive gathering for the Diocese.
On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Mark, the clergy, delegates and observers who participated, the Diocesan Media Office would like to extend its gratitude to Priest Michael Shepherd and the faithful of St. Michael's Church for their kindness and hospitality in hosting this assembly.
Photo credit: Archpriest Seraphim Reynolds and Mrs. Maura Elko
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
