Our Diocese

The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania is a diocese of the Orthodox Church in America, under the omophorion of His Eminence, the Most Reverend MARK [Maymon], Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. The Diocese is headquartered in Bath, PA, while its diocesan cathedral and spiritual heart, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA. The Diocese consists of 32 parishes and two missions serving Orthodox Christians throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

At the heart of diocesan life is a deep commitment to the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church, through which the faithful are nourished, sanctified, and united to Christ. The diocese places a strong emphasis on religious education at every level, forming both youth and adults in the fullness of the Orthodox faith. Through dynamic youth programs, retreats, camps, and parish-based initiatives, it encourages active participation in the life of the Church, cultivating a living and personal relationship with God. These efforts seek to build not merely active parishes, but truly Christ-centered communities, rooted in Holy Tradition and strengthened by fellowship, prayer, and shared purpose.

In addition to its internal life, the Diocese remains steadfast in its commitment to outreach and service. Through charitable works, local initiatives, and cooperative ministries, it strives to bear witness to the love of Christ in the world. Whether by supporting those in need, engaging with local communities, or offering a compassionate and welcoming presence, the Diocese seeks to embody the Gospel in both word and deed. In this way, it serves not only Orthodox Christians, but all those who encounter its ministry.

The mission of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” This apostolic calling continues to guide the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania as it proclaims the truth of the Gospel, fosters spiritual growth, and labors to bring all people into the life of the Church.

The Diocese carries out its mission within the canonical and administrative order established by the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America. Article VII, Section 1 describes the Diocese as "the basic Church body which unites parishes and institutions, usually in a defined geographical area, under the authority of a Diocesan Bishop.”

In accordance with this structure, the Diocesan Bishop exercises archpastoral oversight with the assistance of the Diocesan Assembly and the Diocesan Council. The Diocesan Assembly brings together the bishop, clergy, and elected lay delegates from the parishes to consider matters affecting the common life and mission of the Diocese. The Diocesan Council assists in carrying forward the decisions of the Assembly and in overseeing diocesan life between its regular meetings. The Diocese operates according to diocesan bylaws adopted by the Diocesan Authority. These bylaws provide for the composition and election of the Diocesan Council, the appointment and responsibilities of diocesan officers, the work of the Diocesan Auditing Committee, and other important aspects of diocesan administration. This structure helps ensure that the Diocese’s ministries, resources, and administrative responsibilities are carried out faithfully, responsibly, and in accordance with the canonical order of the Orthodox Church in America.

Through this shared structure of episcopal leadership, conciliar participation, and responsible administration, the Diocese seeks to support its parishes, strengthen its ministries, and respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of its clergy and faithful.

To strengthen pastoral care, encourage cooperation, and provide effective support for parishes across the region, the Diocese is divided into geographical deaneries. Article VII of the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America provides that “The Diocese may be divided into Deaneries, each headed by a District Dean.” This structure allows neighboring parishes and clergy to work together more closely while remaining united under the pastoral leadership of the Diocesan Bishop.

Each deanery is led by a Dean who serves as an important pastoral and administrative connection between the Diocesan Bishop, clergy, and parish communities. The Dean assists the Bishop by supporting and encouraging the clergy, strengthening fellowship and cooperation among neighboring parishes, coordinating deanery services, meetings, educational programs, and other activities, and communicating the pastoral needs and concerns of the deanery to the Bishop. Through this shared ministry, the deaneries help foster unity, accountability, mutual support, and a stronger sense of common mission throughout the Diocese.

Our Diocese is divided into three deaneries:

• Frackville Deanery – Parishes in Southcentral Pennsylvania and the southern Coal Region
• Philadelphia Deanery – Parishes in Greater Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and Delaware
• Wilkes-Barre Deanery – Parishes in Northeastern and Northcentral Pennsylvania, including the Poconos

These deaneries serve a vital role in strengthening the life of the diocese, ensuring that its parishes remain closely interconnected, mutually supportive, and vibrant centers of Orthodox Christian witness. Through regular communication, collaboration, and pastoral oversight, they foster unity among clergy and faithful alike, while also helping to address the unique needs of each parish community with care and attentiveness.

Sometimes affectionately described by clergy and faithful as the “heart of the OCA,” the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania continues to stand as a steadfast spiritual beacon within the Orthodox Church in America. Guided by devoted leadership, enriched by strong and faithful parish communities, and supported by active and growing diocesan departments, the Diocese remains firmly committed to its sacred mission. It seeks not only to preserve the fullness of the Orthodox faith, but also to cultivate spiritual growth, inspire meaningful engagement among its faithful, and respond thoughtfully and effectively to the challenges of the modern world.

Through its ministries, outreach efforts, and unwavering dedication to Christ and His Church, the Diocese continues to bear witness to the enduring truth and life of Orthodoxy in the world today.

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office