On Saturday, June 23 the clergy of the Atlantic States Deanery celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Michael Church in Philadelphia, PA.

The service was led by the Atlantic States Dean, Archpriest John Vass, rector of Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore, MD co-served by Priest Gregory Winsky, (parish rector), Archpriest Alexey Bocharnikov, (rector of St. Nicholas Church in Chester, PA), Hieromonk Sylvester (Kozhin; rector of St. Nicholas Church in Reading, PA), Deacon Michael Bishop, (cleric of Holy Trinity Church) and Deacon Michael Ardan, (parish cleric).

At the conclusion of the service, Fr. John gave a sermon on the epistle reading of the day. Afterwards, he greeted the concelebrating clergy, warmly congratulated Deacon Michael Ardan on his recent ordination to the Holy Diaconate and graciously thanked the choir for singing.

A lenten luncheon was served in the parish hall coordinated by Matushka Dianne Winsky. After lunch the clergy of the deanery gathered for a meeting to discuss pastoral and administrative issues facing the parishes, including tentative plans for gatherings of the clergy and laity in the coming year. Also participating in the meeting were Archpriest Mark Shinn, rector of St. Andrew Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA and Priest Alexander Tsygankov, cleric of St. Andrew Cathedral.

The deanery thanks St. Michael Church for hosting the service and meeting.

Archpriest John Vass