MAYFIELD VICARIATE: April 8, 2009
An Archpastoral Visit to St John the Baptist Cathedral 

On Sunday, March 29, 2009, the day of St John of the Ladder, His Grace Bishop George celebrated Divine Liturgy along with Mitred Protopriest John Sorochka, Senior Priest of St John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA. Hundreds of parishioners and other worshipers were present for the hierarchal service. This was Bishop George’s second visit since beginning his archpastoral service. 

Also participating in the service were the Cathedral’s Protodeacon Gregory Petrochko and Deacon Nicholas Olhovsky of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.  

That evening, Vladyka George performed the Passia of Christ along with Fr John; Protopriest David Hritcko; Rector of St Basil Russian Orthodox Church in Simpson, PA; Abbot German (Ciuba) of St Stephan’s Russian Orthodox Church in Old Forge, PA; Mitred Protopriest Paul White of the Moscow Patriarchate’s St Nicholas Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA; Protopriest Basil Micek of SS Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Scranton, PA; Priest Zinoviy Zharsky, St John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Johnson City, NY; Protodeacon Gregory and Deacon Nicholas.   

Vladyka George gave the homily at both the Liturgy and Passia services. Following the Passia service, clergy and faithful went to the Cathedral's Center for a Lenten meal which was prepared for all in attendance by parishioners of St John's.  It was a wonderful opportunity for the faithful to gather for an evening of fellowship with Vladyka and fellow Orthodox Christians.