OLD FORGE, PA [DOEPA]

From July 25-26, 2026, the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, the commemoration of the Repose of Saint Jacob Netsvetov, Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to St. Michael's Church in Old Forge, PA, where he presided at the divine services and offered archpastoral exhortation to the faithful.

St. Michael’s Church traces its beginnings to July 14, 1891, when a community of immigrants from Eastern Europe established the parish in Old Forge. Many of the early parishioners came from the Carpathian and Galician regions and sought to preserve the faith and traditions of their ancestors in their new home. In 1896, the parish was received into the Orthodox Church and the following year, its first church was consecrated by the future Saint Tikhon of Moscow, then serving as a bishop in North America. The parish was also closely connected with the missionary work of Saint Alexis Toth and the return of many Eastern Christian communities in America to the Orthodox Faith.

During its first century, St. Michael’s experienced significant growth, hardship, and rebuilding. The original church was destroyed by fire in 1903 and rebuilt that same year, while another fire destroyed the parish auditorium and rectory in 1952. As the community continued to grow, construction of the present church began in 1965, with the new temple consecrated on September 25, 1966, during the parish’s 75th anniversary celebration. By its centennial in 1991, generations of faithful had sustained and strengthened St. Michael’s, which had also nurtured numerous vocations to ordained ministry and service in the Church. Now, as of 2026, 135 years after its founding, St. Michael’s Church continues the legacy established by its founders and strengthened by generations of faithful who worshipped, served, sacrificed, and labored for the growth of the parish. Rooted in its rich history and Orthodox Faith, the parish remains a vibrant community in Old Forge, carrying forward the work entrusted to it while continuing to nurture the spiritual life of its faithful and serve the broader life and ministry of the Church.

On Saturday, July 25, upon his arrival at the temple, His Eminence was warmly greeted by Priest Michael Shepherd, Rector, together with the youth and faithful of the parish. Great Vespers was served by Father Michael, with Archbishop Mark presiding from the throne. At the conclusion of the service, His Eminence addressed those gathered, offering words of archpastoral encouragement as the parish prepared for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy the following morning.

On Sunday, July 26, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with him was Priest Michael Shepherd.

Following the reading of the hours, Joseph Hart was tonsured as a reader. May God grant him many years!

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Mark offered the homily, reflecting upon the importance of discipline in the Christian life and its relationship to true freedom in Christ. His Eminence emphasized that Christian discipline is not intended to burden or restrict the faithful, but rather to free them from those things which distract from and hinder their relationship with Christ. Through a life shaped by prayer, obedience, self-control, and faithfulness to the commandments of God, the Christian becomes increasingly free to follow Christ and orient every aspect of life toward Him.

Almost all the worshippers communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Mark presented longtime parishioners Daniel and Sandra Pregmon with a gramota in recognition of their many years of faithful and dedicated service to St. Michael's Church. His Eminence expressed gratitude for their commitment to the parish and acknowledged the many years of labor through which they have contributed to the life, growth, and ministry of the community. Their recognition reflected the spirit of faithful service that has sustained St. Michael’s throughout its 135-year history.

After the veneration of the Cross, His Eminence joined the faithful downstairs for a meal and time of fellowship. The gathering provided an opportunity for parishioners to spend time with their Vladyka and celebrate together the blessings of the weekend.

During the meal, the children of St. Michael's presented Archbishop Mark with a donation in support of St. Tikhon's Summer Camp. The annual diocesan ministry brings together young people from throughout the Diocese for a week centered on the Orthodox Faith, prayer, fellowship, and Christian formation. His Eminence gratefully received the donation and expressed his appreciation for the parish's continued support of the youth of the Diocese. The presentation served as a fitting conclusion to a joyful archpastoral visit, reflecting St. Michael's commitment to faithful service within the parish and to the broader ministries of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Photo credit: Maura Elko and Alexander Koropsak

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office