The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania is a key diocese of the Orthodox Church in America, covering Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. Headquartered in Bath, PA, the diocese is comprised of 32 parishes, ranging from Gettysburg, PA, to Wilmington, DE. It oversees numerous parishes and missions, supporting the spiritual lives of Orthodox Christians in the region.

The diocese places a strong emphasis on fostering a vibrant liturgical life and providing religious education. It supports youth programs and encourages participation in activities that deepen faith and spiritual connection. These efforts aim to build a close-knit community rooted in Orthodox Tradition.

Additionally, the diocese is dedicated to community outreach and service. Through various initiatives, it seeks to strengthen the faith while also addressing the needs of local communities. By offering spiritual guidance and support, the diocese works to serve Orthodox Christians and the broader community alike.

The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

The diocese is divided into three geographic deaneries, each led by a dean—a parish priest responsible for coordinating activities across the deanery’s parishes and reporting directly to the bishop. The three deaneries are:

• Frackville Deanery – Parishes in central and Northeastern Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia Deanery – Parishes in both Delaware and Eastern Pennsylvania
• Wilkes-Barre Deanery – Parishes in Northeastern Pennsylvania

These deaneries help ensure that the diocese’s parishes remain interconnected and vibrant centers of Orthodox life.

The Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania continues to be a spiritual beacon within the Orthodox Church in America. Through its dedicated leadership, strong parish communities, and active departments, the diocese remains committed to fostering spiritual growth, engaging its faithful, and addressing the challenges of today’s world. 

His Eminence Archbishop Adam (Philipovsky) played a significant role in the development of the Orthodox Church in North America during the first half of the 20th century. Born Adam Apollinarievitch Philipovsky-Philipenko on January 30, 1881, in Ruda, Galicia, he grew up in a deeply religious family, as his father was an Orthodox priest. After completing his primary and secondary education in Berezhana, he pursued higher education at the University of Lviv, studying theology before shifting to law. However, his path took a decisive turn in 1903 when he moved to the United States and began contributing to the Russian-language press, including editing the newspaper Pravda. Under the influence of prominent Orthodox figures such as Archbishop Tikhon (Belavin), he returned to Lviv in 1905 to complete his theological education.

In 1912, Adam was ordained as both a deacon and priest by Bishop Alexander (Nemolovsky). His pastoral service began at Saint Michael's Church in Philadelphia, followed by assignments in Newark, Brooklyn, and New York City. Throughout these years, he also played a prominent role in Carpatho-Russian advocacy, particularly during World War I. By 1916, following the death of his wife, Adam was tonsured a monk and elevated to the rank of archimandrite. His new role led to his appointment as the administrator of the Diocese of Canada, where he worked diligently to strengthen the Orthodox mission and foster relationships with Russian Canadian communities.

Archbishop Adam's episcopal ordination took place in 1922 under contentious circumstances. As Bishop Stephen (Dzubay) acted without full approval from the established ecclesiastical authorities, this led to fragmentation within the North American Orthodox Church. Bishop Adam became a leader of an independent diocese for Carpatho-Rusyn communities in the northeastern United States, which remained unrecognized but was tolerated due to the ecclesiastical chaos of the time. Despite the divisions, Adam remained committed to his pastoral and administrative responsibilities, serving his communities with dedication.

Throughout his life, Archbishop Adam demonstrated resilience in navigating the complexities of Orthodoxy during a turbulent period of history. His service spanned decades of religious, political, and social upheaval, culminating in his eventual reconciliation with the "Metropolia" and later the Moscow Patriarchate. His contributions to Orthodox life in North America left a lasting legacy, remembered long after his repose in 1956.

His Eminence Archbishop Nikon (de Grève) was born Alexis de Grève in February, 1895, in Batoumi, Kutais Province (now Adjara), Georgia, began his life within the Georgian part of the Russian Orthodox Church. His early education was focused on preparing him for a military career, which led him to attend the Tiflis Military School and the prestigious Saint Paul Military Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia. During World War I, he served as an officer in the Life Guards of the Moscow Regiment, participating in campaigns on both the Western and Turkish fronts. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, he joined the White Army and fought in the Russian Civil War. After being wounded and the White Army's collapse in 1923, he fled to Belgium.

In 1925, Alexis attended the Saint Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris. He became a key figure in the establishment of the Brotherhood of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in 1927. Later that year, he was tonsured a monk with the name Nikon by Metropolitan Evlogiy (Georgievsky) of Paris. His ordination to the diaconate and priesthood followed shortly thereafter, and he began his pastoral service at Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris. His dedication was recognized as he took on various missionary responsibilities, becoming the rector of Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Bratislava and earning a reputation for selfless pastoral service.

Archimandrite Nikon’s life during World War II was marked by resilience. He served as an assistant to Metropolitan Evlogiy under Nazi occupation, enduring internment and house arrest. After Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky) was arrested, Nikon was sent to Brussels to oversee the diocese. Following the war, Nikon joined the Moscow Patriarchate but later transferred to the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. He eventually moved to the United States in 1947 and became rector of Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary.

Throughout his life, Archbishop Nikon demonstrated unwavering faith and dedication to his ministry, serving Orthodox communities across Europe and North America with tireless devotion. His legacy is remembered for his pastoral care, educational contributions, and leadership during a turbulent period in Church history.

His Eminence Archbishop Dimitry (Magan) was a pivotal figure in the growth of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, particularly in North America. Born in Russia, he emigrated to North America in 1948 due to the political turmoil caused by the Russian Revolution. Upon settling in Canada, he dedicated himself to strengthening the Orthodox presence in the diaspora, serving as a bishop for various parishes across Canada and the United States. Archbishop Dimitry's leadership not only preserved the faith for Russian émigrés but also laid the groundwork for a strong, lasting Orthodox community in North America.

In his ministry, Archbishop Dimitry was deeply committed to maintaining the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church while helping communities adjust to life in the West. His work included guiding Russian-speaking Orthodox faithful, many of whom had been uprooted from their homeland by the effects of war and revolution. His emphasis on cultural identity, religious education, and community unity enabled the Orthodox Church to flourish in a foreign land, ensuring the faith remained alive for future generations.

Archbishop Dimitry’s influence extended beyond religious leadership. He played a crucial role in navigating the challenges faced by Russian émigrés, offering them both spiritual and practical support in a time of uncertainty. His strong administrative skills helped to stabilize the North American Russian Orthodox Church, making it an essential part of the religious and cultural landscape of the time.

Archbishop Dimitry's legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to his flock and his vision for a united Orthodox Church in exile. His leadership continues to inspire Orthodox Christians today, as his contributions helped shape the vibrant and resilient Orthodox communities that exist throughout North America.

His Eminence Archbishop Kiprian (Borisevich) was born Boris Pavlovich Borisevich on August 15, 1903, in the Russian Empire, specifically in Kholm (now part of Poland). He received his theological education from the Theological Seminary in Volyn and the University of Warsaw, where he earned a master's degree in theology. His journey in the Church began early, and he devoted himself to religious studies and pastoral work throughout his life.

After his ordination to the priesthood in 1929, Archbishop Kiprian carried out various roles within the Church, including missionary and educational positions. However, the turmoil caused by World War II forced him to flee Europe. Following his time in Austria and Germany, he moved to the United States in 1949, where he continued his ministry and became involved in the American Orthodox community.

In 1961, he was tonsured as a monk and elevated to the episcopacy. Archbishop Kiprian was assigned as the Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, where he played a crucial role in the Church's growth. He was later elevated to Archbishop in 1964 and held this position until his death in 1980, during which time he was deeply committed to the spiritual well-being of his communities.

Archbishop Kiprian passed away on December 14, 1980, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. His legacy continues to be remembered by those in the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, who honor his unwavering dedication to the Orthodox faith and his contributions to the Church's development in North America.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko), born Joseph Swaiko on February 1, 1932, in Bairdford, Pennsylvania, was a key figure in the development of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). He pursued his early education in the local public school system before attending Robert Morris College, where he earned an associate degree in secretarial science. After his service in the U.S. Army Adjutant General Corps, he entered Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he completed his theological studies and graduated in 1963.

In 1964, Father Joseph was ordained as a priest and quickly became active in various parishes and administrative roles within the OCA. By 1970, he was tonsured a monk, adopting the name Herman in honor of Saint Herman of Alaska. His dedication to the Church saw him elevated to the rank of Archimandrite in 1972, and in 1973, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Wilkes-Barre, serving as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

Following the repose of Archbishop Kiprian (Borisevich) in 1981, Archimandrite Herman was appointed Bishop of Philadelphia and rector of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary in 1982. His leadership was recognized with his elevation to Archbishop in 1994. In 2001, he briefly served as the temporary administrator of the OCA before being elected as Metropolitan of All America and Canada on July 22, 2002, succeeding Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor).

Metropolitan Herman led the OCA as its primate until his retirement in 2008. He reposed in the Lord on September 6, 2022, at the age of 90, at his residence in Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. His life and ministry left a lasting impact on the OCA and its faithful, particularly in the areas of seminary education and church governance.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), born Marc Raymond Mollard on July 15, 1966, in Boston, Massachusetts, is the current Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). He grew up in a family of three children, with his parents, Francois and Elizabeth Mollard. After living in various locations, including Connecticut, France, and Missouri, his family eventually settled in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1984. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Sociology from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1988.

Marc Mollard embraced the Orthodox faith in 1989, joining the Church from the Episcopal Church. He then began his theological education at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. In 1995, he entered the monastic community at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, where he was tonsured a monk and given the name Tikhon in honor of Saint Tikhon of Moscow. He was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood that same year, and later elevated to the ranks of hegumen in 1998 and archimandrite in 2000.

In 2002, Archimandrite Tikhon was appointed as the deputy abbot of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery. His episcopal career began in 2004 when he was elected Bishop of South Canaan and consecrated to the episcopacy. On May 27, 2005, he was elected Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. He was elevated to the rank of archbishop in 2012, and later that same year, he was elected Metropolitan of All America and Canada during the 17th All-American Council in Parma, Ohio.

As Metropolitan, Tikhon has focused on advancing the Orthodox faith and strengthening the OCA's presence in North America. He has also served in several leadership and educational roles within the Church, especially as the ruling hierarch of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. His ongoing leadership continues to guide the Church in its mission and outreach efforts.

His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek, born Thomas Alexander Pleska in 1942, grew up in Dayton, Ohio, in a family with Eastern European roots. His father, Alexander Pleska, was from Byelorussia, and his mother, Johanna, was of Ukrainian descent. As a child, he and his sister received Christian formation in Protestant parishes due to the absence of an Orthodox Church in Dayton, but they would also attend the "Russian" Church in Cleveland on significant Holy Days. Later in life, Archbishop Melchisedek became a member of the Orthodox Church at Christ the Savior Church in Cincinnati, OH, under the pastorship of Fr. Daniel Rentel.

After high school, Thomas Pleska pursued music at the University of Michigan and later earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Miami University in Ohio. He initially planned on further academic pursuits in philosophy but transitioned into the business world, working in stock brokerage and real estate. In the early 1980s, he chose to attend St. Vladimir’s Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity and began contemplating ordination, encouraged by figures such as Protopresbyter John Meyendorff and monastic spiritual fathers.

In 1985, Thomas was ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop Job, and in 1986, he was ordained to the Priesthood by Metropolitan Theodosius. He accepted a position as Instructor of Dogmatic Theology at St. Tikhon’s Seminary while serving as chaplain at the Holy Myrrhbearers Women’s Monastery in Otego, NY. During this time, he also served in various parishes and developed a relationship with Elder Sophrony in Essex, England. In 1989, he became rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Meriden, Connecticut, where he served until 1998. 

In the late 1990s, Fr. Thomas moved to Greece, where he served at the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Thebes and later at the women’s monastery of St. George the Great Martyr. In 2004, he was tonsured to the Great Schema and took the name Melchisedek. He was then raised to the rank of Archimandrite. On April 2, 2009, he was elected Bishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and he was consecrated as bishop in June 2009. From 2012 to 2014, he also served as the Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, overseeing the region during a transitional period. Archbishop Melchisedek was elevated to the rank of Archbishop in March 2014.

His Eminence Archbishop Mark (Maymon), born Alan Maymon on June 22, 1958, in New Albany, Indiana, embarked on an academic path that led him to Oral Roberts University, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in 1985 and a Master's degree in Biblical Literature in 1987. His journey into Orthodoxy began in 1989, and he later graduated from St. Vladimir's Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 1991. He was ordained as a priest and began his ministry in Pennsylvania, where he held various pastoral positions.

After his transition from the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese to the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) in 2011, Archbishop Mark was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of the South. His deepening involvement in church administration led to his appointment as the administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania in 2012. During this time, he contributed significantly to the Church's growth and outreach. In 2014, Archbishop Mark's role within the OCA expanded when he was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

His leadership was marked by a focus on strengthening community ties, promoting spiritual growth, and advancing the mission of the OCA in the region. His efforts were widely appreciated within the diocese and beyond. Following his continued dedication and service, Archbishop Mark was elevated to the rank of Archbishop in 2015.

His leadership continues to play a vital role in the development of the Orthodox Church in Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, where he remains a key figure in overseeing its mission and activities.