EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: July 13, 2020
Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrates the feast day of St John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA

On Monday and Tuesday, July 6-7, 2020, the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptizer of the Lord John, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, paid an archpastoral visit to St John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, and led the divine services for the parish’s patronal feast day.

Serving alongside His Grace at all-night vigil on Monday evening were: parish rector Archpriest John Sorochka, Archpriest David Hritcko (rector of St Basil the Great Church in Simpson, PA), Hieromonk Anatoly (Zilin) and Priest Daniel Franzen (clerics of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY), Priest George Sharonoff (rector of St. John the Wonderworker Mission in Lewisburg, PA), and Deacons Nathaniel Sorochka (cathedral cleric), Dimitri Krenitsky (cleric of the Hermitage of the Holy Protection in Buena, NJ), and Michael Pavuk (cathedral cleric).

The following morning, the Eastern American Diocesan vicar celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy, as well as Abbot German (Ciuba; rector of St Stephen Church in Old Forge, PA).

Owing to on-going coronavirus restrictions, many of the faithful were not able to personally be in attendance, but instead made use of the online live-stream, which the parish has offered for many years. Those in attendance communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of the service, Bishop Nicholas delivered a sermon, in which he spoke about the life and labors of the great and holy prophet John the Forerunner, of whom our Lord Jesus Christ said, "among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than [he]." His Grace congratulated the clergy and faithful with their patronal feast.

After Liturgy, a festal luncheon was served in the parish hall.

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