On Sunday, October 9, the feast of Holy Apostle & Evangelist John the Theologian, Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Scranton. PA joyously celebrated the 125th anniversary of the parish’s founding.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by parish rector, Archpriest Basil Micek, joined by Archpriest Roman Star (rector emeritus of St Innocent Church in Redford MI), Archpriest Michael Lepa, (parish administrator of St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes Barre PA), and Archpriest John Vass, (dean of the Atlantic States, rector of Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore MD).
During the Liturgy, prayers were raised at the Litany for the Departed for the reposed parish parish rectors.
At the end of Liturgy a Thanksgiving Moleben was served in honor of the 125th anniversary of the parish. A custom icon was written for the occasion depicting the Chiefs of the Apostles Peter & Paul along with Saint Alexis (Toth) founding rector, and Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia. The Icon was blessed at the end of Liturgy with copies given to all in attendance.
Archpriest John Vass, read the greetings from His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. On behalf of the Chancery of the Patriarchal Parishes, Fr. John presented an icon of the Holy Apostle Paul to the parish to commemorate the occasion.
A festive banquet was held for all at a local restaurant after Liturgy.