OLYPHANT, PA [DOEPA]
From May 16-17, 2026, the Sixth Sunday of Holy Pascha, the Sunday of the Blind Man, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Olyphant, PA, presiding over the services and offering archpastoral guidance and encouragement to the parish communities present.
Founded in 1904 by Carpatho-Russian immigrants, many of whom came from Galicia within the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, St. Nicholas Church in Olyphant, PA, has stood as a steadfast witness to the Orthodox Faith in Northeastern Pennsylvania for more than 120 years. Led by John Chichilla and a group of devoted founders seeking to establish an Orthodox parish closer to their growing community, the faithful first gathered for prayer in private homes before purchasing land at the corner of East Lackawanna and Gravity Avenue for the construction of a temple dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. With the blessing of the future Saint Tikhon of Moscow, ground was broken in March of 1904, and the parish became the third Orthodox church established in Lackawanna County. On December 19, 1904, Archbishop Tikhon himself consecrated the newly completed church, firmly rooting the Orthodox Faith in the region for generations to come.
Throughout its long and distinguished history, St. Nicholas Church has endured hardship and change while remaining a vibrant center of Orthodox Christian life. The parish survived multiple instances of mine subsidence, the destruction of its rectory by fire in 1959, and numerous periods of economic difficulty, yet continued to grow and beautify its temple through the sacrificial efforts of its clergy and faithful. Over the decades, the parish added new cupolas, iconography modeled after Saint Vladimir’s Cathedral in Kiev, stained glass windows, a parish hall, cemetery expansions, and extensive interior and exterior renovations. The parish also celebrated many significant milestones, including its 50th, 75th, 90th, 100th, 110th, and 120th anniversaries, welcoming hierarchs of the Orthodox Church in America for these historic occasions. Today, St. Nicholas Church continues to preserve its rich liturgical and cultural heritage while faithfully serving the people of Olyphant and the surrounding region as a beloved parish of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.
On Saturday, May 16, His Eminence arrived at the temple and was warmly greeted by Priest Nathan Clausson along with members of the parish community. Great Vespers was served by Father Nathan, while Archbishop Mark presided from the throne. Following the service, His Eminence blessed newly acquired priestly vestments, a gift from the parish community offered in gratitude for Archpriest Vladimir Fetcho’s many years of faithful service as pastor of the parish. His Eminence also blessed the mitre to be bestowed upon Father Vladimir and the gold cross to be awarded to Priest Nathan Clausson. At the conclusion of the evening, Archbishop Mark expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and offered words of encouragement to the faithful gathered.
On Sunday, May 17, the faithful of All Saints Church in Olyphant, PA, joined the faithful of St. Nicholas Church for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Upon his arrival, His Eminence was greeted by Mr. Thomas LaTournous, Parish Council President, and by Priest Nathan Clausson with the Cross. His Eminence then presided at the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with Archbishop Mark were Priest Nathan Clausson, Archpriest Vladimir Fetcho, Priest Paul Witek, Rector of All Saints Church and Academic Dean at St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary, as well as seminarians of St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary Priest Pedro Sarsama, and Priest Seraphim Crossman. The responses were sung by a combined choir under the direction of Mr. Mark Howanetz. Also present for the service was the Mitred Archpriest Daniel Geeza and Archpriest John Nightingale.
During the Little Entrance, His Eminence awarded Archpriest Vladimir Fetcho the right to wear the mitre in recognition of his sixty years of faithful and dedicated service to the Church. His Eminence also awarded Priest Nathan Clausson the right to wear the gold cross in recognition of his pastoral ministry. Axios!
His Eminence offered the homily on the Gospel reading of the healing of the Blind Man, reflecting upon spiritual sight, faith, and the saving power of Christ, Who illumines both the eyes and hearts of those who seek Him. Archbishop Mark called the faithful to continually seek the light of Christ in their daily lives, emphasizing that true spiritual vision comes through humility, repentance, and steadfast faith in the Risen Lord.
During the Divine Liturgy, prayers were also offered for the repose of Bishop Peter [Shymansky] (+1964) on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of his repose.
Many of the faithful received Christ’s Holy Mysteries.
Following the dismissal, His Eminence Archbishop Mark addressed the faithful with an archpastoral word, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the steadfast faith, sacrificial labors, and enduring witness of the clergy and faithful of St. Nicholas Church throughout its more than 120-year history.
In recognition of sixty years of dedicated service to the Church, His Eminence presented a Synodal Gramota to Mitred Archpriest Vladimir Fetcho and Matushka Marianne Fetcho. Father Vladimir marked the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood on May 14, 2026, having been ordained through the laying on of hands of His Beatitude Metropolitan Ireney [Bekish] (+3/18/1981) at St. Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, PA. Throughout six decades of priestly ministry, Father Vladimir has faithfully served the Church through devoted pastoral care, reverent liturgical service, and steadfast dedication to the clergy and faithful entrusted to his care. His Eminence also offered heartfelt words of appreciation to Matushka Marianne for her many years of faithful support, sacrifice, and tireless commitment alongside Father Vladimir throughout his ministry, noting the invaluable role of the priest’s family in the life of the Church. Father Vladimir, in turn, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence and to Almighty God for granting him the strength, health, and opportunity to teach, serve, and labor in the Church for so many years.
A Diocesan Gramota was also bestowed upon Louise Kurechka in recognition of her many years of faithful dedication and loving service in beautifying St. Nicholas Church and caring for the parish community. His Eminence additionally congratulated Priest Paul Witek on the upcoming occasion of his fourth anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood, acknowledging his devoted ministry, theological scholarship, and service to both All Saints Church and St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary.
Following the prayers of thanksgiving, a festive luncheon was prepared and served in the church hall in honor of Father Vladimir and Matushka Marianne. Clergy, faithful, family members, and friends gathered in a spirit of joy and gratitude to celebrate Father Vladimir’s milestone anniversary and to offer their thanks for his many years of devoted priestly ministry, faithful witness, and dedicated service to the Holy Orthodox Church.
Photo credit: Nancy LaTournous, Elijah Hojnicki, and others
Glory to God for all things!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
