ST. CLAIR, PA [DOEPA]

From April 5-6, 2025, the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt, His Eminence Archbishop Mark made an archpastoral visit to St. Mary’s Church in St. Clair, PA, presiding over the services and visiting with the God-fearing people of the parish.

On Saturday, April 5, His Eminence arrived at Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA, where he was greeted by Priest Kirill Zawatski, Acting Rector, and several members of the parish. Great Vespers was served by Father Kirill, with Archbishop Mark presiding from the throne.

Following the dismissal, Archbishop Mark expressed gratitude and appreciation toward Father Kirill and the faithful present. Father Kirill welcomed His Eminence and thanked him for his presence. Icons of Ss. Constantine and Helen, St. Romanos the Melodist, and St. Basil the Great were blessed by Archbishop Mark and Father Kirill.

On Sunday, April 6, upon arrival at St. Mary’s Church in St. Clair, PA, the faithful of Holy Ascension Church joined with their sister parish to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. His Eminence was greeted by Dr. Paul Thomas, Parish Steering Committee President, and Father Kirill Zawatski, Administrator. Archbishop Mark presided over the Divine Liturgy, with Father Kirill concelebrating. The combined choir was led under the direction of Mrs. Erica Maher.

His Eminence preached on the theme: “The goal of the Christian life is to take on the divine nature..." We are called to become like Christ, to be transformed into His image and likeness. This is the essence of our spiritual journey. He elaborated on how the ultimate aim of the Christian life is not merely to follow rules or perform rituals, but to experience true spiritual transformation through a deep union with Christ.

Archbishop Mark reminded the faithful that we are called to embody Christ’s love, humility, and forgiveness in all areas of our lives. “In our daily struggles and conflicts,” he said, “we must remember that we are to pray not only for our friends but also for those with whom we have conflict. Prayer for those who wrong us or with whom we struggle is a direct way to cultivate the divine nature within us. By doing so, we open ourselves to the grace of God, who is merciful and compassionate, and who calls us to live in love and peace with one another.”

Drawing from the life of St. Mary of Egypt, whose example of repentance and radical transformation serves as a powerful reminder to all, Archbishop Mark emphasized that no matter how far one may have fallen, God’s grace is always available to those who sincerely seek repentance and renewal. St. Mary’s journey from a life of sin to a life of holiness demonstrates that the Christian life is a continual process of purification, of shedding our sinful nature and embracing the divine nature bestowed upon us through baptism.

During the Divine Liturgy, many of the faithful received the Holy Mysteries.

Following the dismissal, Archbishop Mark offered words of encouragement to Father Kirill, the faithful of St. Mary’s Church, and the entire community. He mentioned that the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania is not only alive but thriving, noting the current seminarian, Alexander Scott (St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary), as well as soon-to-be seminarians Jacob Kurtz (St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary) and Alexander Koropsak (St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminary).

After the veneration of the Cross, a Lenten meal was prepared and served downstairs in the church hall, where the faithful gathered for a time of fellowship. This provided an opportunity for parishioners to spend time with His Eminence and fellow Orthodox Christians.

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office