On Sunday, July 7, the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptizer of the Lord John, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, where he led the parish’s patronal feast day.

Concelebrating with His Grace was cathedral rector Archpriest John Sorochka, Abbot German (Ciuba; rector of St. Stephen Church in Old Forge, PA), Hieromonk Anatoly (Zilin; cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY), Protodeacon Pavel Wolkow (cleric of St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY), and Deacons Nathaniel Sorochka (cathedral cleric), Dimitri Krenitsky (cleric of Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ), Michael Pavuk (cathedral cleric), and George Sharonoff (cleric of St. John the Wonderworker of America Mission in Lewisburg, PA).

The parish choir sang beautifully under the direction of choir conductor Paul (Gary) Brzuchalski.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Bishop Nicholas addressed the gathered faithful with a sermon on the life and labors of St. John the Baptist. His Grace also presented a diocesan gramota to Basil A. Telep for his faithful service to the Church, particularly 80 years of singing in the parish choir.

After the service, a bountiful lenten luncheon was served in the parish hall