WILKES-BARRE, PA [DOEPA]

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Holy Trinity Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, celebrated the Feast of the Repose of Saint Alexis Toth, Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy in America.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest Innocent Neal, Dean of the Wilkes-Barre Deanery and Rector, and Priest Paul Witek. Father Innocent offered the homily.

Many of the faithful present partook of the Holy Eucharist.

The relics of St. Alexis and his mitre were in the center of the church for the faithful to venerate.

Saint Alexis Toth was born on March 18, 1854, in Austro-Hungary into a devout Carpatho-Russian family of Eastern Rite Catholics. He came from a clerical background, with his father, brother, and uncle all serving in the church. Educated and multilingual, he married Rosalie Mihalich and was ordained a Uniate priest in 1878. Tragedy struck early in his ministry with the deaths of his wife and their only child. Despite these losses, Father Alexis continued his ministry with faith and perseverance, later serving as secretary to the Bishop of Presov, an orphanage director, and a seminary professor.

In 1889, Father Alexis was sent to the United States to serve a Uniate parish in Minneapolis. Upon arrival, he sought recognition from the local Roman Catholic authority, Archbishop John Ireland, who rejected him due to his opposition to ethnic and non-Latin Catholic practices. This rejection reflected broader tensions in the Catholic Church in America regarding assimilation. Father Alexis, grounded in Canon Law, knew his rights and refused to yield. After consulting with his congregation, they decided to seek entry into the Orthodox Church, leading to their reception by the Russian Orthodox Church on March 25, 1891.

This bold move sparked a wave of conversions as other Uniate communities followed Father Alexis’ example. Despite facing harsh criticism, poverty, and even physical threats, he remained steadfast in his mission. He traveled across the country, preached tirelessly, and helped re-establish Orthodoxy among Eastern European immigrants. By the time of his repose in 1909, he had helped bring thousands back to the Orthodox faith and had been instrumental in forming or restoring 17 parishes. His writings offered practical spiritual guidance, promoting piety, education, sobriety, and community life.

Throughout his ministry, Father Alexis remained humble and forgiving, never retaliating against his critics. Although considered for episcopal office, he declined, citing his age and health. Even when unsupported financially, he labored in secular jobs to support himself while giving generously to those in need. He embodied Christlike endurance, believing in the promise that seeking God’s kingdom would provide all else. His example inspired many and was recognized by Church leaders and the Russian Tsar, who awarded him honors for his dedication.

Saint Alexis reposed on May 7, 1909, and was buried at Saint Tikhon Monastery in Pennsylvania. He was canonized in 1994, and his legacy continues to shape American Orthodoxy. Many faithful seek his intercession, inspired by his life of self-sacrifice, missionary zeal, and pastoral love. One remarkable miracle attributed to him involved the unexpected reunion of a father and son separated for nearly three decades. Saint Alexis remains a spiritual beacon for those striving to live an Orthodox Christian life in the modern world.

O Holy Father Alexis, pray unto God for us!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office