On Sunday, July 7, the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day.

Concelebrating with His Grace were:

• Archpriest John Sorochka (cathedral rector),
• Archpriest David Hritcko (rector of St. Basil Church in Simpson, PA)
• Archpriest Michael Taratuchin (rector of St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY)
• Hieromonk Anatoly (Zilin; cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY)
• Priest Joseph Romanchak (rector of St. Basil Church in Belle Vernon, PA)
• Priest Nektarios Yangson (rector of Our Lady of Iveron Church in Honolulu, HI)
• Protodeacon Gregory Petrochko (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church in Richmond, ME)
• Protodeacon Michael Pavuk (cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery)
• Deacon Nathaniel Sorochka (cathedral cleric)
• Deacon Dimitri Krenitsky (cathedral cleric)
• Deacon Lazarus Sparandera (cleric of St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church), and
• Deacon Christopher Kimball (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church).

Singing in the choir was parish cleric Protodeacon Stephen Howanetz.

During the Hours, Bishop Luke tonsured altar servers John Sorochka & Iakov Dzik readers, and awarded Christian Yarnes the right to wear the orarion.

Liturgy was held under the aegis of the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian-Iveron Icon of the Mother of God.

At the Little Entrance, for his dedicated service to the Holy Church, Deacon Dimitri Krenitsky was elevated to the rank of protodeacon.

The cathedral was filled with parishioners and guests from surrounding parishes.

After the Great Entrance, Bishop Luke ordained Deacon Nathaniel Sorochka to the priesthood. The newly ordained Priest Nathaniel will continue his service in St. John Cathedral, alongside his father.

After Holy Communion, the clergy served a short moleben before the myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God and the icon of the feast.

Bishop Luke addressed the faithful with a sermon, at the end of which he congratulated the rector, the newly ordained Fr. Nathaniel, clergy, and parishioners with their patronal feast.

A bountiful luncheon was held in the parish cultural center, where interaction continued throughout the day.