The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania is a diocese of the Orthodox Church in America, covering Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware and headquartered in Bath, PA. The diocese is comprised of 32 parishes and two missions, ranging from Gettysburg, PA, to Wilmington, DE, supporting the spiritual lives of Orthodox Christians in the region.

The diocese places a strong emphasis on fostering a vibrant liturgical life and providing religious education. It supports youth programs and encourages participation in activities that deepen faith and spiritual connection. These efforts aim to build a close-knit community rooted in Orthodox Tradition.

Additionally, the diocese is dedicated to community outreach and service. Through various initiatives, it seeks to strengthen the faith while also addressing the needs of local communities. By offering spiritual guidance and support, the diocese works to serve Orthodox Christians and the broader community alike.

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…”

The diocese is divided into three geographic deaneries, each led by a dean—a parish priest responsible for coordinating activities across the deanery’s parishes and reporting directly to the bishop. The three deaneries are:

• Frackville Deanery – Parishes in central and Northeastern Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia Deanery – Parishes in both Delaware and Eastern Pennsylvania
• Wilkes-Barre Deanery – Parishes in Northeastern Pennsylvania

These deaneries help ensure that the diocese’s parishes remain interconnected and vibrant centers of Orthodox life.

The Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania continues to be a spiritual beacon within the Orthodox Church in America. Through its dedicated leadership, strong parish communities, and active departments, the diocese remains committed to fostering spiritual growth, engaging its faithful, and addressing the challenges of today’s world. 

SAINT ALEXIS TOTH OF WILKES-BARRE, CONFESSOR AND DEFENDER OF ORTHODOXY IN AMERICA, COMMEMORATED MAY 7

Saint Alexis, born in Austro-Hungary on March 18, 1854, was a devoted defender of the Orthodox Faith. Raised in a Carpatho-Russian family with a strong religious background, he became a priest in the Uniate Church. Despite personal hardships, including the death of his wife and child, he persevered in his spiritual mission. In 1889, he moved to America to serve a Uniate parish in Minneapolis, where he later became a key figure in the return of many Carpatho-Russian and Galician Uniates to the Orthodox Church.

In America, Saint Alexis faced opposition from Archbishop John Ireland of the Roman Catholic Church, who refused to recognize him. Despite this hostility, Father Alexis, well-versed in Church history and Canon Law, led a movement for his parish to join the Russian Orthodox Church. In 1891, after a petition and the guidance of Russian Bishop Vladimir, Father Alexis and 361 parishioners were received into Orthodoxy, marking a significant triumph of faith.

Father Alexis' actions became a beacon for many others seeking to return to the Orthodox Church. Through his preaching and teachings, he helped establish or return seventeen parishes to Orthodoxy, expanding the Russian Orthodox presence in America. His work was foundational to the growth of Orthodoxy in the United States, attracting many converts from the Uniate Church. Despite personal financial struggles, he remained dedicated to his mission, demonstrating profound humility and self-sacrifice.

Saint Alexis' dedication to his spiritual children continued even after his death in 1909. His writings, sermons, and efforts to guide his flock in an Orthodox way of life left a lasting legacy. He was honored with a jeweled miter and the Orders of Saint Vladimir and Saint Anna by the Russian Emperor for his service. His sainthood was marked by his unwavering commitment to the Orthodox faith, and his intercessions have continued to help many even after his passing.

Saint Alexis' time in the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania left an indelible mark on the American Orthodox Church. His example of dedication to his spiritual children and the expansion of the Orthodox Faith in the region was instrumental in establishing a strong Orthodox presence in America.His legacy endures, with his relics resting at Saint Tikhon Monastery in Pennsylvania. He is remembered as a humble servant of God, whose life and works helped guide countless souls back to Orthodoxy. His story serves as a reminder of the power of faith, humility, and perseverance in the face of adversity. His efforts ensured that the Orthodox Church flourished in Eastern Pennsylvania, and his legacy is honored to this day by the faithful who continue to benefit from his teachings and example.

SAINT NIKOLAI OF ZHICHA, COMMEMORATED MARCH 18

Saint Nikolai of Zhicha, also known as "the Serbian Chrysostom," was born on January 4, 1881, in Lelich, Serbia. Raised in a devout family, his mother played a pivotal role in shaping his spiritual life. As a child, he often walked with her to attend services at Chelije Monastery, fostering a deep connection to the Church. Despite being physically frail, he excelled academically, eventually entering the Saint Savva Seminary in Belgrade, and later earning doctoral degrees from the University of Berne and King’s College, Oxford.

After his ordination to the priesthood in 1909, Saint Nikolai went on to study in Russia at the Theological Academy in Saint Petersburg. He returned to Serbia, where he became a professor at the seminary, teaching philosophy, history, logic, and foreign languages. His intellectual gifts and knowledge of seven languages greatly benefited his ministry, and his sermons, which were concise and focused, left a lasting impact on his listeners.

During World War I, Saint Nikolai was sent on a diplomatic mission to England, where he delivered lectures and left a strong impression on the Church of England. He later traveled to America, where he continued his missionary work, raising funds for orphanages and speaking to churches and universities. In 1919, he was consecrated as Bishop of Zhicha, later transferring to Ochrid, where he worked to assist those suffering from war and promoted spiritual renewal through the restoration of monasteries.

In the 1940s, during World War II, Saint Nikolai’s outspoken opposition to the Nazi regime led to his arrest and imprisonment in the Dachau concentration camp. After being liberated in 1945, he chose to remain abroad to avoid persecution under the Communist regime in Yugoslavia. He eventually settled in the United States, where he taught at Saint Savva’s Seminary and Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, continuing his pastoral and theological work despite health challenges from his time in Dachau.

Saint Nikolai passed away in 1956, found kneeling in prayer. His relics were later moved to the Chetinje Monastery in Serbia. His writings, including the Prologue from Ochrid and The Life of Saint Savva, have had a significant impact on the Orthodox Church, offering spiritual guidance and exhortations for a life of virtue and holiness. Through his teachings, Saint Nikolai remains a beloved figure, remembered for his humility, compassion, and profound love for Christ and His Church.

SAINT TIKHON, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW, ENLIGHTENER OF NORTH AMERICA, COMMEMORATED APRIL 7

Saint Tikhon, born Vasily Ivanovich Belavin in 1865, was a humble and pious man from a rural family. After studying at the Pskov Theological Seminary and Saint Petersburg Academy, he took monastic vows at age 26, adopting the name Tikhon. He became Bishop of Lublin and later served as the Bishop of the Aleutians and Alaska, where he reorganized the diocese and promoted Orthodoxy in America. His time in America was marked by the establishment of key churches, including Saint Nicholas Cathedral in New York and Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, which remains significant in the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania today.

St. Tikhon’s work in America helped strengthen the Orthodox Church’s presence in North America, and he became an honorary citizen of the United States for his contributions. After returning to Russia, he was appointed to Yaroslavl and later Vilnius, where his kindness and generosity endeared him to the people. He helped during World War I by providing for the displaced and impoverished, and in 1917, he was elected Metropolitan of Moscow, eventually becoming the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church.

As Patriarch, St. Tikhon faced tremendous challenges, including the rise of the Soviet regime, which persecuted the Church. Despite these difficulties, he worked tirelessly to defend the faith and maintain the Church’s integrity. His leadership during this turbulent period solidified his status as a pillar of Orthodoxy. His message of faith and unity echoed throughout Russia and beyond, reaching Orthodox communities like those in the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, where his legacy remains significant.

St. Tikhon’s commitment to Orthodoxy was evident in his actions, especially when he called on clergy to avoid political involvement and focused on spiritual matters during the Russian civil war and famine. His dedication to the Church and unwavering moral authority earned him respect worldwide. In the United States, particularly in Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, his example of piety and leadership continues to inspire Orthodox faithful today.

St. Tikhon passed away in 1925 after enduring many hardships, including imprisonment. His funeral was attended by nearly a million people, and his legacy lives on in the Russian Orthodox Church and communities like the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. His life and work continue to serve as a reminder of selfless devotion to God and the Church, emphasizing spiritual purity and dedication over personal gain.

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP ADAM [PHILIPPOVSKIY] (1881 - 1956)

His Eminence Archbishop Adam (Philipovsky) played a significant role in the development of the Orthodox Church in North America during the first half of the 20th century. Born Adam Apollinarievitch Philipovsky-Philipenko on January 30, 1881, in Ruda, Galicia, he grew up in a deeply religious family, as his father was an Orthodox priest. After completing his primary and secondary education in Berezhana, he pursued higher education at the University of Lviv, studying theology before shifting to law. However, his path took a decisive turn in 1903 when he moved to the United States and began contributing to the Russian-language press, including editing the newspaper Pravda. Under the influence of prominent Orthodox figures such as Archbishop Tikhon (Belavin), he returned to Lviv in 1905 to complete his theological education.

In 1912, Archbishop Adam was ordained as both a deacon and priest by Bishop Alexander (Nemolovsky). His pastoral service began at Saint Michael's Church in Philadelphia, followed by assignments in Newark, Brooklyn, and New York City. Throughout these years, he also played a prominent role in Carpatho-Russian advocacy, particularly during World War I. By 1916, following the death of his wife, Adam was tonsured a monk and elevated to the rank of archimandrite. His new role led to his appointment as the administrator of the Diocese of Canada, where he worked diligently to strengthen the Orthodox mission and foster relationships with Russian Canadian communities.

Archbishop Adam's episcopal ordination took place in 1922 under contentious circumstances. As Bishop Stephen (Dzubay) acted without full approval from the established ecclesiastical authorities, this led to fragmentation within the North American Orthodox Church. Bishop Adam became a leader of an independent diocese for Carpatho-Rusyn communities in the northeastern United States, which remained unrecognized but was tolerated due to the ecclesiastical chaos of the time. Despite the divisions, Adam remained committed to his pastoral and administrative responsibilities, serving his communities with dedication.

Throughout his life, Archbishop Adam demonstrated resilience in navigating the complexities of Orthodoxy during a turbulent period of history. His service spanned decades of religious, political, and social upheaval, culminating in his eventual reconciliation with the "Metropolia" and later the Moscow Patriarchate. His contributions to Orthodox life in North America left a lasting legacy, remembered long after his repose in 1956.

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP NIKON [DE GRÉVE] (1896 - 1979)

His Eminence Archbishop Nikon (de Grève) was born Alexis de Grève in February, 1895, in Batoumi, Kutais Province (now Adjara), Georgia, began his life within the Georgian part of the Russian Orthodox Church. His early education was focused on preparing him for a military career, which led him to attend the Tiflis Military School and the prestigious Saint Paul Military Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia. During World War I, he served as an officer in the Life Guards of the Moscow Regiment, participating in campaigns on both the Western and Turkish fronts. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, he joined the White Army and fought in the Russian Civil War. After being wounded and the White Army's collapse in 1923, he fled to Belgium.

In 1925, Alexis attended the Saint Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris. He became a key figure in the establishment of the Brotherhood of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in 1927. Later that year, he was tonsured a monk with the name Nikon by Metropolitan Evlogiy (Georgievsky) of Paris. His ordination to the diaconate and priesthood followed shortly thereafter, and he began his pastoral service at Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris. His dedication was recognized as he took on various missionary responsibilities, becoming the rector of Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Bratislava and earning a reputation for selfless pastoral service.

Archimandrite Nikon’s life during World War II was marked by resilience. He served as an assistant to Metropolitan Evlogiy under Nazi occupation, enduring internment and house arrest. After Archbishop Alexander (Nemolovsky) was arrested, Nikon was sent to Brussels to oversee the diocese. Following the war, Nikon joined the Moscow Patriarchate but later transferred to the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. He eventually moved to the United States in 1947 and became rector of Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary.

Throughout his life, Archbishop Nikon demonstrated unwavering faith and dedication to his ministry, serving Orthodox communities across Europe and North America with tireless devotion. His legacy is remembered for his pastoral care, educational contributions, and leadership during a turbulent period in Church history.

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP DIMITRIY [MAGAN] (1899 - 1969)

His Eminence Archbishop Dimitry (Magan) was a pivotal figure in the growth of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, particularly in North America. Born in Russia, he emigrated to North America in 1948 due to the political turmoil caused by the Russian Revolution. Upon settling in Canada, he dedicated himself to strengthening the Orthodox presence in the diaspora, serving as a bishop for various parishes across Canada and the United States. Archbishop Dimitry's leadership not only preserved the faith for Russian émigrés but also laid the groundwork for a strong, lasting Orthodox community in North America.

In his ministry, Archbishop Dimitry was deeply committed to maintaining the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church while helping communities adjust to life in the West. His work included guiding Russian-speaking Orthodox faithful, many of whom had been uprooted from their homeland by the effects of war and revolution. His emphasis on cultural identity, religious education, and community unity enabled the Orthodox Church to flourish in a foreign land, ensuring the faith remained alive for future generations.

Archbishop Dimitry’s influence extended beyond religious leadership. He played a crucial role in navigating the challenges faced by Russian émigrés, offering them both spiritual and practical support in a time of uncertainty. His strong administrative skills helped to stabilize the North American Russian Orthodox Church, making it an essential part of the religious and cultural landscape of the time.

Archbishop Dimitry's legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to his flock and his vision for a united Orthodox Church in exile. His leadership continues to inspire Orthodox Christians today, as his contributions helped shape the vibrant and resilient Orthodox communities that exist throughout North America.

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP KIPRIAN [BORISEVICH] (1903 - 1980)

His Eminence Archbishop Kiprian (Borisevich) was born Boris Pavlovich Borisevich on August 15, 1903, in the Russian Empire, specifically in Kholm (now part of Poland). He received his theological education from the Theological Seminary in Volyn and the University of Warsaw, where he earned a master's degree in theology. His journey in the Church began early, and he devoted himself to religious studies and pastoral work throughout his life.

After his ordination to the priesthood in 1929, Archbishop Kiprian carried out various roles within the Church, including missionary and educational positions. However, the turmoil caused by World War II forced him to flee Europe. Following his time in Austria and Germany, he moved to the United States in 1949, where he continued his ministry and became involved in the American Orthodox community.

In 1961, he was tonsured as a monk and elevated to the episcopacy. Archbishop Kiprian was assigned as the Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, where he played a crucial role in the Church's growth. He was later elevated to Archbishop in 1964 and held this position until his death in 1980, during which time he was deeply committed to the spiritual well-being of his communities.

Archbishop Kiprian passed away on December 14, 1980, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. His legacy continues to be remembered by those in the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, who honor his unwavering dedication to the Orthodox faith and his contributions to the Church's development in North America.

HIS BEATITUDE METROPOLITAN HERMAN [SWAIKO] (1932 - 2022)

His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko), born Joseph Swaiko on February 1, 1932, in Bairdford, Pennsylvania, was a key figure in the development of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). He pursued his early education in the local public school system before attending Robert Morris College, where he earned an associate degree in secretarial science. After his service in the U.S. Army Adjutant General Corps, he entered Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he completed his theological studies and graduated in 1963.

In 1964, Father Joseph was ordained as a priest and quickly became active in various parishes and administrative roles within the OCA. By 1970, he was tonsured a monk, adopting the name Herman in honor of Saint Herman of Alaska. His dedication to the Church saw him elevated to the rank of Archimandrite in 1972, and in 1973, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Wilkes-Barre, serving as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

Following the repose of Archbishop Kiprian (Borisevich) in 1981, Archimandrite Herman was appointed Bishop of Philadelphia and rector of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary in 1982. His leadership was recognized with his elevation to Archbishop in 1994. In 2001, he briefly served as the temporary administrator of the OCA before being elected as Metropolitan of All America and Canada on July 22, 2002, succeeding Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor).

Metropolitan Herman led the OCA as its primate until his retirement in 2008. He reposed in the Lord on September 6, 2022, at the age of 90, at his residence in Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. His life and ministry left a lasting impact on the OCA and its faithful, particularly in the areas of seminary education and church governance.

HIS BEATITUDE METROPOLITAN TIKHON [MOLLARD] (1966 - PRESENT)

His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), born Marc Raymond Mollard on July 15, 1966, in Boston, Massachusetts, is the current Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). He grew up in a family of three children, with his parents, Francois and Elizabeth Mollard. After living in various locations, including Connecticut, France, and Missouri, his family eventually settled in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1984. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Sociology from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1988.

Marc Mollard embraced the Orthodox faith in 1989, joining the Church from the Episcopal Church. He then began his theological education at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. In 1995, he entered the monastic community at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, where he was tonsured a monk and given the name Tikhon in honor of Saint Tikhon of Moscow. He was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood that same year, and later elevated to the ranks of hegumen in 1998 and archimandrite in 2000.

In 2002, Archimandrite Tikhon was appointed as the deputy abbot of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery. His episcopal career began in 2004 when he was elected Bishop of South Canaan and consecrated to the episcopacy. On May 27, 2005, he was elected Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. He was elevated to the rank of archbishop in 2012, and later that same year, he was elected Metropolitan of All America and Canada during the 17th All-American Council in Parma, Ohio.

As Metropolitan, Tikhon has focused on advancing the Orthodox faith and strengthening the OCA's presence in North America. He has also served in several leadership and educational roles within the Church, especially as the ruling hierarch of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. His ongoing leadership continues to guide the Church in its mission and outreach efforts.

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP MELCHISEDEK [PLESKA] [LOCUM TENENS] (1968 - PRESENT)

His Eminence Archbishop Melchisedek (Pleska), born Thomas Alexander Pleska in 1942, grew up in Dayton, Ohio, in a family with Eastern European roots. His father, Alexander Pleska, was from Byelorussia, and his mother, Johanna, was of Ukrainian descent. As a child, he and his sister received Christian formation in Protestant parishes due to the absence of an Orthodox Church in Dayton, but they would also attend the "Russian" Church in Cleveland on significant Holy Days. Later in life, Archbishop Melchisedek became a member of the Orthodox Church at Christ the Savior Church in Cincinnati, OH, under the pastorship of Fr. Daniel Rentel.

After high school, Thomas Pleska pursued music at the University of Michigan and later earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Miami University in Ohio. He initially planned on further academic pursuits in philosophy but transitioned into the business world, working in stock brokerage and real estate. In the early 1980s, he chose to attend St. Vladimir’s Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity and began contemplating ordination, encouraged by figures such as Protopresbyter John Meyendorff and monastic spiritual fathers.

In 1985, Thomas was ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop Job, and in 1986, he was ordained to the Priesthood by Metropolitan Theodosius. He accepted a position as Instructor of Dogmatic Theology at St. Tikhon’s Seminary while serving as chaplain at the Holy Myrrhbearers Women’s Monastery in Otego, NY. During this time, he also served in various parishes and developed a relationship with Elder Sophrony in Essex, England. In 1989, he became rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Meriden, Connecticut, where he served until 1998. 

In the late 1990s, Fr. Thomas moved to Greece, where he served at the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Thebes and later at the women’s monastery of St. George the Great Martyr. In 2004, he was tonsured to the Great Schema and took the name Melchisedek. He was then raised to the rank of Archimandrite. On April 2, 2009, he was elected Bishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and he was consecrated as bishop in June 2009. From 2012 to 2014, he also served as the Locum Tenens of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, overseeing the region during a transitional period. Archbishop Melchisedek was elevated to the rank of Archbishop in March 2014.

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP MARK [MAYMON] (1958 - PRESENT)

His Eminence Archbishop Mark (Maymon), born Alan Maymon on June 22, 1958, in New Albany, Indiana, embarked on an academic path that led him to Oral Roberts University, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in 1985 and a Master's degree in Biblical Literature in 1987. His journey into Orthodoxy began in 1989, and he later graduated from St. Vladimir's Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 1991. He was ordained as a priest and began his ministry in Pennsylvania, where he held various pastoral positions.

After his transition from the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese to the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) in 2011, Archbishop Mark was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of the South. His deepening involvement in church administration led to his appointment as the administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania in 2012. During this time, he contributed significantly to the Church's growth and outreach. In 2014, Archbishop Mark's role within the OCA expanded when he was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

His leadership was marked by a focus on strengthening community ties, promoting spiritual growth, and advancing the mission of the OCA in the region. His efforts were widely appreciated within the diocese and beyond. Following his continued dedication and service, Archbishop Mark was elevated to the rank of Archbishop in 2015.

His leadership continues to play a vital role in the development of the Orthodox Church in Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, where he remains a key figure in overseeing its mission and activities.

Produced with the assistance of Mr. Alexis Liberovsky, OCA Archivist, Director of the Department of History and Archives

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office