BATH, PA [DOEPA]

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Diocesan Council of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania gathered for its regular summer meeting at the Diocesan Chancery in Bath, PA. His Eminence Archbishop Mark presided over the session.

The meeting opened with the singing of "O Heavenly King" followed by the approval of the minutes from the previous session. His Eminence greeted the clergy and faithful present and offered an archpastoral word, addressing several matters concerning the life and administration of the Diocese.

Among the topics discussed was the Diocese’s ongoing work regarding background checks and compliance with child protection requirements. His Eminence emphasized the importance of maintaining 100% compliance throughout the Diocese, stressing the responsibility to provide a safe environment for children, youth, clergy, volunteers, and all those who participate in the life of the Church. The Council was informed that Matushka Heidi Browne has assumed responsibility for overseeing the administration of diocesan background checks. Gratitude was also expressed to Priest Kirill Zawatski, Rector of Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, PA, for his continued assistance in the Chancery Office and for his ongoing work in helping the Diocese address background check and compliance matters. The Council also discussed several procedural and administrative matters related to the implementation and oversight of these requirements, with an emphasis on strengthening consistency and accountability throughout the Diocese.

His Eminence introduced Mr. Zachariah Nikl, who recently was appointed and began serving as Administrative Assistant at the Diocesan Chancery. Zachary will assist with various administrative responsibilities and functions. Among the topics discussed were updates regarding the seminarians of the Diocese, including their ongoing formation, progress in their studies, and new initiatives aimed at further supporting their spiritual and pastoral development. His Eminence also noted that the Diocese’s two seminarians will be eligible to petition for ordination following the completion of the upcoming semester.

Archbishop Mark also spoke about the work of the Diocese’s Youth Ministries, expressing his satisfaction with the continued growth and development of its programs. He emphasized the importance of continued outreach to and engagement with the youth of the Diocese, encouraging ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and active participation in the life of the Church. Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki, Diocesan Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Frackville Deanery, and Rector of Holy Apostles Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, spoke about the importance of continuing to hold the Diocesan Summer Camp at St. Tikhon’s Monastery and St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary both in South Canaan, PA. He emphasized the significance of bringing the youth of the Diocese to the oldest Orthodox monastery in North America, where they are able to experience the spiritual, liturgical, and historical life of the Church in a particularly meaningful and Orthodox Christian setting.

Archpriest Raymond Browne, Diocesan Chancellor and Rector of St. Mark’s Church in Wrightstown, PA, presented his report to the Council. He provided an update on the work of the Metropolitan Council and discussed several matters concerning the broader life and administration of the National Church, the Orthodox Church in America. Father Raymond also spoke about diocesan support for clergy through peer groups and other initiatives, including grant funding associated with the Thriving in Ministry (TiM) program. He concluded by presenting a proposal for the continued support of these programs so that they may remain available as resources for the clergy and clergy wives ministries of the Diocese. His Eminence reaffirmed the importance of clergy health and well-being, emphasizing that the Diocese must continue to support its clergy spiritually, physically, and pastorally.

Archpriest Timothy Hojnicki presented his Vice-Chancellor and Deanery reports. Father Timothy provided an overview of his activities since the previous Diocesan Council meeting, including his participation in diocesan, deanery, and Orthodox Church in America meetings and events, as well as the 122nd Annual St. Tikhon’s Monastery Memorial Day Pilgrimage, St. Tikhon’s Summer Camp, and the annual pilgrimage to Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA. Regarding the Frackville Deanery, he reported that matters were generally going well, describing the season as a “quiet summer” and noting the relative peace and stability among the parishes.

The Philadelphia Deanery report was also presented, highlighting continued growth and activity throughout the region. Particular attention was given to the growth of Orthodox communities in and around Philadelphia, as well as in Wilmington, DE, where St. Michael the Archangel Church continues to experience a substantial increase in parishioners and is exploring the possibility of establishing a new mission. The report also noted ongoing developments at several parishes, including plans for a major expansion at St. Mark’s Church in Wrightstown, PA, and the search for a new worship space for the Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring Mission in Philadelphia, PA.

Archpriest Innocent Neal, Dean of the Wilkes-Barre Deanery and Rector of Holy Trinity Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, presented the Wilkes-Barre Deanery report, providing updates on the life and activities of the parishes throughout the deanery. He also spoke about the upcoming 115th anniversary celebration of St. John the Baptist Church in Nanticoke, PA, which will be observed in October.

Reader Nicholas Hojnicki, Director of Communications and Personal Aide (Kelenik) to the Archbishop, presented the report of the Diocesan Media Office, highlighting the continued growth of the Diocese’s communications and digital outreach. He reported continued increases in engagement across the diocesan website and official social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and the Youth Ministries page, with the diocesan website alone recording more than 1.17 million unique visitors, 2.16 million visits, and 7.3 million hits during the 2026 reporting period through early August. Reader Nicholas also provided updates on expanded photography and media coverage, the continued strengthening of the Youth Ministries platform, the revitalization of the Diocese’s digital publications department, and several special projects, including a comprehensive Diocesan History article. He also announced that development of the new web-based DOEPA app was continuing, with its public launch planned for September 1, 2026. Reflecting on the continued growth of diocesan communications, Reader Nicholas remarked that “business is booming.” Having served as Director of Communications for more than two years, he noted that the Media Office continues to find its footing while striving for greater consistency, quality, and professionalism. In concluding his report, he expressed gratitude to his brother, Elijah Hojnicki, for his continued high-quality photography, which has greatly benefited the Diocese, and to Archpriest John Parsells for his continued assistance through Orthodox Web Solutions (OWS). He also thanked His Eminence for his continued trust. His Eminence, in turn, expressed his gratitude for Reader Nicholas’s work and praised the continued development of the Media Office, remarking on how “top shelf” the Diocese’s communications efforts have become.

Mr. Mark Linnehan, Diocesan Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s report, providing an update on the financial condition of the Diocese through July 31, 2026. He reported that "the financial state of the Diocese is good,” noting that the Diocese maintains more than $200,000 in immediately available cash and more than $1.2 million in investments that could be made available relatively quickly. Total diocesan assets stood at approximately $1.925 million, an increase of approximately $21,500 compared with the same period in 2025. He also reviewed parish support, diocesan programs, youth ministries, charitable contributions, operating expenses, outstanding loans, and cash flow. Mark also presented the proposed 2027 diocesan budget, outlining anticipated adjustments based on current expenses and the continuing needs of the Diocese. Proposed changes included increases related to His Eminence’s salary, pension, travel, and administrative support, as well as increased stipends for several diocesan officers and ministry leaders. Additional adjustments were proposed for accounting services, background checks, youth programs, and other areas of diocesan administration and ministry.

Priest Kirill Zawatski presented a report on the St. Alexis Toth Brotherhood, providing an update on its recent activities and ongoing work. It was also noted that information regarding future Brotherhood events will be forwarded to the Diocesan Media Office for publication and promotion through diocesan communications channels. Father Kirill further reported that the Brotherhood will establish a chapter within each of the Diocese’s deaneries, helping to broaden participation and strengthen its presence throughout the Diocese.

Mr. Mark Linnehan shared information regarding the Heavenly Hosts program, outlining its mission, ongoing efforts, and the positive impact the initiative has continued to have throughout the community. He reflected on the involvement and support shown by parishes across the Diocese and emphasized the importance of the program in serving those in need and strengthening the spirit of Christian charity among the faithful.

The Council also discussed several additional diocesan matters aimed at strengthening the life of the Diocese and supporting the continued growth and well-being of its parishes and faithful.

The next Diocesan Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Glory to God for all things!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office