FRACKVILLE, PA [DOEPA]
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania presided over the 110th Anniversary Celebration of Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA.
Upon arrival at the temple, His Eminence was greeted by Mr. John Malinchok, Parish Council Treasurer, with the traditional bread and salt, and by Priest Kirill Zawatski, Rector of Holy Ascension Church and Administrator of St. Mary’s Church in St. Clair, PA. Archbishop Mark presided over the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
Concelebrating with him were Priest Kirill, Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA; Archpriest John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary; Archpriest Innocent Neal, Dean of the Wilkes-Barre Deanery and Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA; Archpriest John Hughes; Protopresbyter Joseph Fester; Priest Vjekoslav JoviÄić; Priest Paul Witek; Archpriest Milorad Orlic; Archpriest Nikolai Gulin; Archpriest Aleksey Paranyuk; Priest Michael Shepherd; Priest Caleb Lewis; and Protodeacon Peter Skoog with the parish’s altar servers and visiting servers.
Also in attendance were the Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris and Archpriest Michael Hatrak. The choir was led under the direction of Ms. Larissa Holowaty. More than 200 faithful gathered for the celebration.
Following the vesting of His Eminence in the center of the church, Matthew Hatrak, Parish Council President, was tonsured a Reader and ordained a Subdeacon. May God grant him many years! Axios!
His Eminence offered the homily, emphasizing that every Christian has a responsibility to share the Gospel. He reminded the faithful that the Good News cannot stay only within us, but must be shared if the Church is to grow. He encouraged everyone to live as witnesses to Christ so that others may be brought into the life of the Church.
During the Divine Liturgy, the faithful partook of the Holy Mysteries.
Following the Dismissal, Archbishop Mark offered an archpastoral word, congratulating the parish community on the occasion of their 110th Anniversary. His Eminence presented two Diocesan Gramotas to Mrs. Catherine Bricker and Mrs. Madeline Paulonis. The parish presented an icon of the Theotokos to Mrs. Vera Timko, the oldest living parishioner, and an icon of St. Euphrosynos to Pani Olivia Zawatski for her dedicated work in the parish, especially with fellowship.
“Memory Eternal” was intoned for the departed members of Holy Ascension Church and of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, including His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman on the third anniversary of his repose.
Following the veneration of the cross, a banquet was held at Capriotti’s Palazzo. A commemorative toast was made by Mr. John Malinchok, and the guests were welcomed by Subdeacon Matthew Hatrak.
Among the dignitaries in attendance at the banquet were the Honorable David Argall, Senator of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the Honorable Tim Twardzik, Representative of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the Honorable Dane Watro, Representative of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the Honorable Kim Phillips, Mayor of Frackville, PA; the Honorable Andrew Szczglak, Mayor of Shenandoah, PA; and the Honorable Bernard Vilcheck, Mayor of McAdoo, PA.
Presentations were made by Senator David Argall, State Representative Tim Twardzik, and State Representative Dane Watro.
During the banquet, the Mayor of Frackville declared September 6th as Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Day in the town of Frackville, PA.
Father John Parker and Father Timothy Hojnicki both offered speeches congratulating the parish on this milestone. Father Kirill then offered pastoral remarks as Rector of the parish, expressing gratitude for the dedication of the faithful and for the blessings of the day. His Eminence Archbishop Mark concluded with archpastoral remarks, encouraging the community to remain steadfast in the Orthodox faith and to continue building upon the foundation laid by past generations.
After the speeches, the Buffalo Concertina All Stars from Buffalo, NY, played polka music for all in attendance to enjoy and dance.
Photo credit: Mr. Bill Reshetar
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
