On Saturday, October 12, 2024, St. Mark's Orthodox Church in Wrightstown, PA, Celebrated their 50th Anniversary.
His Eminence, Archbishop Mark, presided over the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Raymond Martin Browne, Chancellor of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania and Rector of St. Mark's Church, Archpriest Victor Gorodenchuk, Priest Emmanuel Pratsinakis, and Archpriest John Kowalczyk. Also serving were Protodeacon Gregory Moser and the servers of the parish. The responses were sung by the parish choir under the direction of Daria Cortese.
His Eminence offered the homily where he reflected on the importance of living with compassion and grace, urging the congregation not to adhere strictly to the letter of the law as the Pharisees did, but to be examples of Christ and to embody the spirit of love.
Following the Dismissal, Fr. John Kowalczyk and Matushka Katherine were presented with an orchid plant by the parish on the occasion of their 39th wedding anniversary. Fr. John was rector of St. Mark's Church for 2 years. Matushka Gayle Karaffa was also presented with flowers by His Eminence. Matushka Gayle was the wife of Archpriest Stefan Karaffa, who was the first resident priest at St. Mark's Church. His Eminence was presented with a psalter, by the parish, with the translation, design, and production of this unique addition done by Sergei Arhipov, Daria Cortese, Colin Miller, and Niko Chochelli in appreciation and gratitude for his 10 years as hierarch of the diocese. A Synodal Gramota was then presented to the parish congratulating them on 50 years as a parish of the Orthodox Church in America.
After the presentation of gifts and awards "Many Years" was intoned for the faithful of St. Mark's Church, including Archpriest Raymond, on the occasion of his namesday (St. Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours) along with all who were present.
Following the veneration of the cross, a banquet was held at the Spring Mill Country Club. The guests were welcomed by Archpriest Raymond who gave pastoral remarks as Rector, followed by archpastoral remarks by His Eminence. Diocesan Gramotas were presented to the Jubilee Committee; Protodeacon Gregory and Matushka Martha Moser, Ken and Dorthy Martiak, Charles and Charla Bendas, Stephanie Ristevy, Irene Arhipov, Jeanette Ruano, Mary Anne Swan, Kenneth Gula, Sandra Williams, and Reader Samuel Regen. Seven Diocesan Gramotas were presented to the parishioners in recognition of their crucial service to the parish or at special times in its fifty-year history; Matushka Gayle and Kevin Karaffa, James and Monia Pitra, Charles and Charla Bendas, Dorothy and Ken Martiak, Kevin and Mary Anne Swan, and Isaac Chappe. May God grant them all many years!
Following the banquet, a video made by Samuel Regen, Veronica Gula, Charla Bendas, and Herman Forlano was shown documenting a weekend at St. Mark's Church.
May God protect and preserve His Eminence, Archbishop Mark, Archpriest Raymond, Matushka Heidi, and their family, and the faithful of St. Mark's Church, for many years!
Glory to God for all things!
Promotional Video
Event Video
Historical Slideshow
St. Mark's Orthodox Church
452 Durham Rd
Wrightstown, PA 18940
