BATH, PA [DOEPA]

On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Diocesan Council of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania gathered for its regular quarterly meeting at the Diocesan Chancery in Bath, PA. His Eminence Archbishop Mark presided over the session. The meeting opened with the singing of "Christ is Risen," followed by the approval of the minutes from the previous session.

His Eminence Archbishop Mark offered remarks on a variety of important matters affecting the life of the Diocese. Among the topics discussed were updates regarding the seminarians of the Diocese, including their ongoing formation, progress in their studies, and new initiatives aimed at further supporting their spiritual and pastoral development. His Eminence also noted that five students from the St. Tikhon’s Diaconal Formation Program, held in Philadelphia, PA, had recently been approved by the Holy Synod of Bishops for ordination to the Holy Diaconate.

In addition, Archbishop Mark addressed the current status of summer camp enrollment, emphasizing the importance of continued outreach and engagement with the youth of the Diocese. He also provided an update on the Diocese’s continued progress regarding background checks and compliance procedures, particularly in relation to youth ministry and parish life.

Archpriest Raymond Browne, Diocesan Chancellor and Rector of St. Mark's Church in Wrightstown, PA, presented his report to the Council, which offered updates on a variety of diocesan administrative matters and ongoing initiatives affecting the life of the Diocese. Father Raymond also addressed areas of continued development, ideas, and coordination within operations throughout the Diocese.

Archpriest Nicholas Solak, Director of Pastoral Life for the Orthodox Church in America, was also invited and present. He offered remarks regarding the work of the Office of Pastoral Life, reflecting on the history and development of the department, as well as several of its current goals, initiatives, and areas of focus. Father Nicholas spoke about ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening pastoral care, supporting clergy and their families, and fostering healthy parish life throughout the Church. He reiterated the department’s commitment to supporting priests and their families, emphasizing the mission of the Office of Pastoral Life that healthy clergy help cultivate “flourishing parishes.”

During the meeting, the Diocesan Council also voted to contribute $100,000 in support of the continued work and ministry of the Office of Pastoral Life.

Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Diocesan Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, providing updates on parish life and upcoming events throughout the deanery. Expressing gratitude and joy, he reflected on the fullness of life and activity presently being witnessed throughout the Diocese. Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, Dean of the Philadelphia Deanery and Dean of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA, and Archpriest Innocent Neal, Dean of the Wilkes-Barre Deanery and Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, also presented reports concerning the life and work of their respective deaneries.

Mr. Mark Linnehan, Diocesan Treasurer, presented the treasurer’s report, offering an overview of the Diocese’s financial standing and ongoing stewardship efforts. He noted that the Diocese continues to remain in a healthy financial position. Archpriest Raymond Browne offered updates concerning the work of the Metropolitan Council, reflecting on several recent discussions, initiatives, and areas of focus presently being addressed at the national level of the Orthodox Church in America.

Reader Nicholas Hojnicki, Director of Communications and Personal Aide to the Archbishop, presented the report of the Diocesan Media Office, offering updates on the activity and expansion of the Diocese’s communications efforts, including the diocesan website and official social media platforms. In his report, Reader Nicholas noted the significant growth of the diocesan website, doepa.org, which from January through May 2026 alone received more than 629,000 visitors and over 1.36 million visits. He described these figures as a major milestone for the Diocese and reflected on the especially strong engagement seen throughout Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha, as faithful regularly followed diocesan news, archpastoral visits, parish life, and feastday coverage published by the Diocesan Media Office. He also provided updates regarding the Diocese’s expanding social media presence and broader communications efforts across multiple platforms. In concluding his report, he expressed gratitude to Archpriest John Parsells for his continued assistance in the development and support of the diocesan website through Orthodox Web Solutions (OWS).

Mr. Mark Linnehan shared information regarding the Heavenly Hosts program, outlining its mission, ongoing efforts, and the positive impact the initiative has continued to have throughout the community. He reflected on the involvement and support shown by parishes across the Diocese and emphasized the importance of the program in serving those in need and strengthening the spirit of Christian charity among the faithful.

The meeting concluded with the singing of “Shine, Shine, O New Jerusalem...” Following the conclusion of the meeting, the members of the Diocesan Council departed in peace. The Diocesan Council is expected to reconvene in the fall to continue its work and review progress on the various initiatives and discussions brought forward during the meeting.

Glory to god for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office