top of page
Elevation of His Grace Bishop Alexios to the Rank of Archbishop

​Commemoration of the Raising of Lazarus (Lazarus Saturday) – April 12, 2025

​

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the radiant feast of the Raising of Lazarus, the clergy and faithful of the True Orthodox Church of the Diaspora gathered at Archangel Orthodox Church in Weatherly, Pennsylvania, for a historic and grace‑filled celebration. During the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, His Grace Bishop Alexios of Hazleton and Weatherly was elevated to the rank and dignity of Archbishop.

The elevation was performed on behalf of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Alexy, First Hierarch of the True Orthodox Church of the Diaspora. The service was presided over by His Eminence, Archbishop Nicholas, Head Secretary of the Holy Synod and the Archdiocese of North America, who led the solemn rite of elevation in the presence of visiting hierarchs, clergy, and faithful.

The liturgical setting of Lazarus Saturday, a feast proclaiming Christ’s victory over death and prefiguring the Resurrection, gave profound spiritual meaning to the day’s events. The proclamation of Axios! echoed throughout the church as the faithful rejoiced in the elevation of their Arch-Pastor.

​

Clergy in Attendance

 

The celebration was honored by the presence of:

  • His Eminence, Archbishop Nicholas, Head Secretary of the Holy Synod and Archdiocese of North America, accompanied by Father Deacon John Paul of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, Edenborn, PA

  • His Eminence, Archbishop Philip (retired), Arch‑Pastor of Saint Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church, Diocese of Philadelphia

  • Fr. Elias, Fr. Anthony, and Subdeacon Michael Larrivee of the Entrance of the Theotokos Mission, Emmitsburg, Maryland

  • Fr. Deacon Mathew, of Archangel Orthodox Church, Weatherly

Their presence bore witness to the unity, brotherly love, and shared commitment of the clergy who labor together for the strengthening of the Church and the preservation of Holy Tradition.​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordination of a New Deacon

 

In conjunction with the elevation of Archbishop Alexios, the Divine Liturgy also included the ordination of Subdeacon Mathew to the Holy Order of Deacon. Archbishop Alexios officiated both the Divine Liturgy and the ordination, while the hierarchs, priests, and deacons con-celebrated in solemn harmony. The ordination of Deacon Mathew on this festal day further signified the spiritual growth and vitality of the Archangel Diocese.

 

A Milestone for the Diocese

​

The elevation of Archbishop Alexios reflects the trust placed in him by the Holy Synod and acknowledges his steadfast dedication to pastoral care, his fidelity to Apostolic Tradition, and his tireless labors in building and guiding the Diocese of Hazleton and Weatherly. The clergy and faithful, in proclaiming Axios!, affirmed their hope for the continued spiritual flourishing of the Diocese under his archpastoral leadership.

May Christ our True God, Who raised Lazarus from the dead, grant His Eminence, Archbishop Alexios, many years of fruitful service, wisdom, and strength as he continues to shepherd the flock entrusted to him.

  • Facebook
bottom of page