Русская Версия

July 7, 2010
Mayfield, PA: The patronal feast day of St. John the Baptist Cathedral

On the feast day of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA marked its patronal feast day. The All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy on the day of the feast were led by the rector, His Grace George, Bishop of Mayfield, co-served by His Grace Jerome, Bishop of Manhattan, cathedral dean Archpriest John Sorochka, Archpriest David Hritcko (rector of St. Basil’s Church in Simpson, PA), Archpriest Michael Lepa (cleric of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery in South Canaan, PA), Archpriest Basil Micek (rector of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Scranton, PA), Archpriest Vladimir Fetcho (rector of St. Nicholas Church in Olyphant, PA), Archpriest Liubo Milosevich (rector of Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ), Archpriest Serge Lukianov (secretary of the Eastern American Diocese), Abbot German (Ciuba; rector of St. Stephen’s Church in Old Forge, PA), Protodeacon Gregory Petrochko (cathedral cleric), Protodeacon Dimitri Temidis (cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), and Deacon Nicholas Olhovsky (cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery). The divine services were uplifting and proceeded in an atmosphere of grandeur, thanks to the cathedral choir, which sang in Slavonic and English under the direction of Mr. Gary Brzuchalski. Present during the divine services was the "Port Arthur" Icon of the Mother of God, which usually resides in Holy Cross Monastery (click here to read a history of the icon). On the eve of the feast, the parish presented Bishop George with a new set of beautiful red hierarchal vestments.

After the festal Liturgy, Fr. John addressed the archpastors and clergy with words of sincere gratitude. He noted that joint, brotherly co-service at the holy altar table bestows great comfort not only on the clergy, but on all those present in prayer. He went on to say that the brotherly love between clergymen pours out of the altar and proliferates throughout the parish.

The feast concluded with a bountiful luncheon offered to parishioners and guests in the parish center. Those clergymen who participated in the diocesan Lenten Retreat on March 1-3 of this year in Mayfield are witnesses to this parish’s unique brand of hospitality.

On behalf of the Diocesan Council, Fr. Serge greeted His Grace, Bishop George,  and all of the parishioners on the occasion of their patronal feast day and congratulated Fr. John on the occasion of his namesday. In gratitude for his participation in the festivities, Bishop Jerome was presented with a new hierarchal cowl on behalf of the parish.  

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese