MECHANICSBURG, PA [DOEPA]

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the feast of the Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch, Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, celebrated the 20th anniversary of Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki’s ordination to the Holy Priesthood with many clergy and faithful of the diocese and beyond.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church. His Eminence Archbishop Mark, presided from the throne. Serving with Father Timothy were Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris, Archpriest Raymond Browne, Chancellor, Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary, Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, Dean of the Philadelphia Deanery, Archpriest Innocent Neal, Dean of the Wilkes-Barre Deanery, Archpriest David Cowan, Vice-Chancellor of New York and New Jersey, Priest Theodore Petrides, Archpriest Noah Bushelli, Archpriest Stephen Vernak, Archpriest Nikolai Breckenridge, Archpriest Seraphim Reynolds, Priest Silouan Burns, Priest Paul Witek, Priest Kirill Zawatski, and Protodeacon Peter Skoog. Mother Christophora, Abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, was among the many in attendance. The choir was led under the direction of Mrs. Barbara Linnehan.

His Eminence offered the homily on the Holy Priesthood, explaining its meaning and responsibilities while reading the prayers of ordination.

Following the dismissal, His Eminence offered words of congratulations, encouragement, and gratitude to Father Timothy, Matushka Anastasia Jr., their children, Father Nicholas, Matushka Anastasia Sr., Matushka Anastasia’s parents, and Karen, Father Timothy’s mother. A Diocesan Gramota was presented to Father Timothy for his many labors in the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

A letter from His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, was sent to the Diocesan Media Office and read by Reader Nicholas Hojnicki, Director of Communications. The letter expressed His Beatitude’s congratulations and primatial message on this joyous occasion.

Gifts were then presented to Father Timothy and Matushka Anastasia. Father Timothy received a new set of priestly vestments, and Matushka Anastasia was gifted a bouquet of flowers. Mrs. Angela Thimis, Parish Council President, and Mr. Joshua Potteiger presented Father Timothy with a jeweled pectoral cross from the parish, along with a pair of socks. Matushka Anastasia received a cross adorned with a blue stone.

Following the service, the faithful gathered for a festive meal in the church hall. During the celebration, Nicholas, Kyra, Elijah, and Joachim Hojnicki gave speeches, expressing their love and gratitude for their parents on this joyful occasion. Archpriest Raymond Browne spoke as a brother priest and friend, while Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris offered words as a father in marriage to Father Timothy.

May God grant His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, His Eminence Archbishop Mark, Archpriest Timothy, Matushka Anastasia, and their family many years! AXIOS!

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office