September 22, 2010 Mayfield, PA: Bishop George led the divine services in honor of
Archpriest John Sorochka’s 40th anniversary celebrations
On
Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of September, His Grace George,
Bishop of Mayfield, led the divine services in St.
John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA on the occasion of
deputy rector Archpriest John Sorochka’s 40th anniversary
celebrations. In 1970, Fr. John was married, ordained to the
priesthood, and assigned rector of what was then still St. John the
Baptist Church.
His
Grace was co-served by Fr. John, Archpriest David Hritcko (rector of
St. Basil’s Church in Simpson, PA), Archpriest Elias Krenitsky
(cleric of St. Michael’s Church in Old Forge, PA – retired),
Archpriest Michael Lepa (cleric of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery in
South Canaan, PA), Archpriest Stephan Romanchak (rector of Holy
Trinity Church in California, PA), Archpriest Serge Lukianov
(secretary of the Eastern American Diocese), Igumen Sergius (Bowyer;
abbot of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery), Archpriest Michael
Taratuchin (rector of St. John of Kronstadt Church in Utica, NY),
Abbot German (Ciuba; rector of St. Stephen Church in Old Forge, PA),
Protodeacon Gregory Petrochko (cathedral cleric), and Protodeacon
Stephen Howanetz (cleric of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery).
Upon
completion of the Liturgy, Bishop George bestowed a diocesan gramota
on Fr. John, thanking him for his forty years of service to Christ’s
Holy Church and his flock. A commemorative banquet was then held at a
local catering hall. Bishop George opened the dinner with
congratulatory remarks, and speeches were given on behalf of the
parish by warden Joseph Mareski and choir conductor Gary Brzuchalski,
while diocesan secretary Fr. Serge Lukianov sincerely congratulated
Fr. John on behalf of the First Hierarch and the Diocesan Council.
Representatives from local government, including the Hon. Alexander J.
Chelik, Mayor of Mayfield, were present and spoke. Letters were read
from the governor of Pennsylvania and from clerics who could not be
present. A unique montage of photographs depicted memorable events
from the last 40 years. Before guests departed for home, Fr. John was
presented with a new jeweled cross and a set of gold vestments,
including a new gold miter.
