On the weekend of June 20-21, 2026, the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania made an archpastoral visit to the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church in South Philadelphia, PA where he presided at the divine services on both days, performed the ordination of Subdeacon Jerome Stafford to the Holy Diaconate, and offered words of encouragement concerning the continued physical and spiritual growth of our parish and within the Diocese, along with a beautiful homily at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday offering sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and spiritual fathers who faithfully dedicate their lives to the care, guidance, protection, love, sacrifice, wisdom, steadfast faith, and spiritual nurturing of their families and communities through their service as examples of Christian fatherhood.

 

During the Divine Liturgy on Saturday after the Eucharistic Canon, His Eminence ordained Subdeacon Jerome Stafford to the Holy Diaconate to serve as deacon at Holy Assumption. An active parishioner along with his wife Darcy and their children, Deacon Jerome is a recent graduate of the St. Tikhon’s Diaconal Program at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Axios and Many Years to the newly ordained Deacon Jerome and Matushka Darcy!

 

A plentiful and tasty Lenten luncheon was served in the church basement following the liturgical services, combining catered and home made dishes and desserts. A special “Thank You” to all the faithful who made this weekend possible in every way; logistics, preparation, presentation of food and not to mention an excellent choir, readers, altar servers, visiting clergy, Deacon Stephanos Bibas, our own Father Mark Koczak, and our hierarch and his subdeacon, Reader Nicholas. Glory to God for all things!☦️