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# Abp. Mark Blesses Newly Planted Orthodox Mission in Pennsylvania
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/abp-mark-blesses-newly-planted-orthodox-mission-in-pennsylvania/
- Published: 2026-09-14T17:14:30.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:06:18.000Z
- Description: A newly planted Orthodox mission in Palmyra began its ministry with a prayer service and a blessing from Abp. Mark.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, OCA, Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Mission parish, Archpastoral Visit, Orthodoxy in America, Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia

**PALMYRA, PA —** A newly planted Orthodox Christian mission in Palmyra held its inaugural service on September 12, marking the beginning of its ministry with the blessing of Abp. Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Archpriest Stephen Vernak, rector of Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, served a Molieben for the Beginning of Any Good Work during the gathering. The service offered prayers for God’s blessing on the mission and for guidance as its members work to establish a lasting Orthodox Christian presence in the Pennsylvania community.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2026/08/abp-mark-blesses-newly-planted-orthodox-mission-in-pennsylvania-image-58bf0eae8901.jpg)On this topicNew OCA Grant Supports Missions Outgrowing Their Worship Spaces](https://uoj.news/news/new-oca-grant-supports-missions-outgrowing-their-worship-spaces/)

The Palmyra Orthodox Mission will hold services twice a month at Palmyra First United Methodist Church, gathering on the second and fourth Saturdays. The mission will not meet on September 26.

The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania has asked the faithful in the diocese and beyond to remember the new mission in their prayers as it begins its life and ministry. The community is seeking to build a permanent Orthodox presence in Palmyra and grow through regular worship and fellowship.

The inaugural service marked the beginning of the mission’s public life following the Archbishop’s blessing. Information about upcoming services and the mission’s activities is available through Christ the Saviour Church’s Palmyra Mission page .

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. John the Compassionate Mission was to dedicate a new Fr. Frank Miloro building.