On January 26, the Sunday after the Theophany of our Lord, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse performed an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

Serving alongside His Grace were Priest Nathaniel Sorochka (cathedral cleric) and Protodeacons Stephen Howanetz (cathedral cleric), Gregory Petrochko (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church in Richmond, ME), Michael Pavuk (cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY), and Dimitri Krenitsky (cathedral cleric). Praying in the altar was cathedral rector Archpriest John Sorochka.

The cathedral was filled with parishioners and guests who arrived in Mayfield to honor the longtime service of the parish rector, Fr. John Sorochka who is transitioning to become rector emeritus.

In his sermon at the conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Luke relayed the blessings of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, thanking Fr. John for his over five decades of service to both the parish and the Russian Church Abroad. Bishop Luke reiterated that a priest never truly retires, but this transition period will allow him to rest. He imparted on the parish to continue to pray for Fr. John and also for his son, Priest Nathaniel, who is assuming the responsibilities of parish rector.

A reception was organized in the parish hall, where clergy from surrounding parishes joined and delivered many congratulatory addresses in Fr. John’s name.