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Former Byzantine Catholic Priest Received Into Orthodox Priesthood
On the Leavetaking of the Dormition, Abp. Mark received Fr. Paul West into the Orthodox priesthood as the priest's wife and children were also welcomed into the Orthodox Church.
FRACKVILLE, PA — Abp. Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania received Fr. Paul Varchola West into the Orthodox priesthood during a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Ascension Church on August 23, the 12th Sunday after Pentecost and the Leavetaking of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
Fr. Paul, who entered the Orthodox Church from the Byzantine Catholic tradition, was formally received through the Rite of Vesting after having previously been ordained outside the Orthodox Church. The rite, instituted by St. Philaret of Moscow for the reception of clergy from outside the Church, vested him with the authority to serve as an Orthodox priest.
The previous day, Fr. Paul and his wife, Pani Alissa, together with their children, Adelaide and Nicholas, made their confession of the Orthodox Faith. On Sunday, Pani Alissa and the children were received into the Church through Holy Chrismation before the Archbishop's arrival.
During the Divine Liturgy, Abp. Mark preached on the Gospel account of the rich young ruler, calling the faithful to examine what they might be placing ahead of God. He urged them to consider whether possessions, leisure, self-indulgence, or other attachments had taken precedence over love and devotion to Christ.
After the Cherubic Hymn and the placing of the Holy Gifts upon the Holy Table, Fr. Paul was presented to Abp. Mark and vested in the priestly vestments. The newly received priest then joined the clergy for the remainder of the Divine Liturgy and received the Holy Mysteries with them.
Following the dismissal, Abp. Mark welcomed Fr. Paul and his family “home” and congratulated them on their reception into the Orthodox Church. He also announced that Fr. Paul will begin serving as acting rector of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Minersville, PA, effective September 1.
The occasion also included the presentation of a Synodal Gramota to John Malinchok for his many years of service to Holy Ascension Church. The celebration concluded with the faithful greeting Archpriest Paul and a festive luncheon in the parish hall.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Mark gave thanks following St. Tikhon’s Summer Camp 2026.
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