Abp. Mark Visits Pennsylvania Parish for Lenten Services

Photo: doepa.org

FRACKVILLE, PA — Abp. Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania visited Holy Ascension Church on March 20 and 22, presiding at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and the Pan-Orthodox Lenten Coal Region Mission Vespers. He was welcomed by Priest Kirill Zawatski and parishioners, as the faithful gathered for prayer during Great Lent.

On Friday, the Archbishop led the Presanctified Liturgy with Fr. Kirill concelebrating. The service drew the parish community together in prayer, with the choir singing under the direction of Larissa Holowaty. Following the service, Abp. Mark encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in their Lenten efforts, emphasizing repentance and spiritual discipline.

On Sunday, he returned after visiting Mechanicsburg to preside at the pan-Orthodox Vespers, attended by clergy and faithful from across the Coal Region. In his homily, he reminded those present that Lent is about persistence, not perfection—encouraging them to keep getting back up after every fall and continue the journey. The evening concluded with a shared Lenten meal and fellowship.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Mark led the Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania Assembly.

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