Holy Cross Orthodox Church Williamsport PA

Holy Cross is the only Orthodox church in six counties of northcentral Pennsylvania and one of the most unique church buildings you'll find anywhere! The parish, founded in 1977, is part of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania (doepa.org) of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).

The Orthodox Church dates back to the day of Pentecost as the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of the eastern Roman Empire and exists to give glory to our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, His Father and the Holy Spirit; to worship the Holy Trinity in spirit and in truth and to perpetuate the saving ministry of Christ through the faith once for all delivered to the saints. To this day, She remains unchanged in doctrine and order of worship and stands as a humble witness to the life and belief of the continuing Christian flock. She was and is the Church of the martyrs and the Holy Fathers who defended the divinity and humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ and the proper understanding of the Holy Trinity's revelation to It's creation.

Orthodoxy came to America through Alaska in the 18th century and, fed by immigration, spread across the continent, often appearing as an insulated sect open only to people of certain ethnic backgrounds.

This unfortunate image of the Church has changed dramatically in recent years as the Orthodox Church has turned Her attention to all Americans who are seeking the joys of fullness and continuity in their knowledge of God's revelation.

This transition is beautifully exemplified at Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Williamsport PA, where all services are in English and people of all backgrounds are welcomed into Orthodoxy's life of communion with God and the Church's calm, pastoral, yet unflinching resistance to the tragic and seemingly unending compromise of truth and life in contemporary society.

The basic structure of Holy Cross Church is a former 200-year-old log barn of hand-hewn timbers, painstakingly dismantled, delivered and reassembled on site from a location some five miles away. Beginning in June, 1987, over the next 17 months, the pastor and parishioners volunteered their talents and tireless efforts in all phases of the construction process. The use of logs seemed appropriate for Williamsport, the one-time 'log capital of the world'. The distinctive 'onion domes' were built on site and hoisted into place as the crowning glory of the church, surmounted by hand-crafted crosses plated with gold leaf. The church was formally consecrated on November 12, 1988 (and has since become affectionately well-known throughout the region as "the little, wooden Orthodox church").

In 1997-98, a beautification project was undertaken including the construction and installation of a new icon screen and hand-painted icons. The church interior has been referred to as "something like heaven". Traditional stained glass windows enhance the incredible beauty of the timeless Orthodox iconography.

The parish opened its Orthodox Fellowship Center located directly behind the church in July, 2002 -- another parishioner-built structure.

You are welcome to join us in worship:

SATURDAYS, Vespers @ 5:00 pm

SUNDAYS, Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 am (Hours at 9:40)

COMPLINE on Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm, followed by Bible Study

 

Download Holy Cross Orthodox Church vCard with Service Times

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Download Priest Rev Fr Seraphim Reynolds vCard

Click here to contact Rev Fr Seraphim Reynolds  

OCA - Orthodox Church in America  

https://www.holycrosswilliamsport.org/  

 

 

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Holy Cross was established as a mission station in 1977 when a small group of Orthodox faithful living in the area “found each other”. They petitioned the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania to hold services in a local high school. Diocesan priests provided service until the assignment of +Fr John Kozak in February, 1978 as the first resident priest.

Fr Daniel Kovalak was assigned to the mission (coming from Miami, FL) in September 1978. Two months later, the community was given the name of “The Elevation of the Holy Cross” at a special service. They continued to meet at various local churches with a regular cycle of services.

In 1979, the current parcel of property (then vacant) was purchased. Obtaining a bank loan (with some difficulty!), a combination rectory/chapel was constructed and was occupied by Palm Sunday, March 30, 1980. A full parish life ensued. Often, the community’s growth was stunted with numerous relocations of parishioners away from the area for employment considerations. The ultimate vision of building a church remained a goal during the early years of struggle.

Experiencing significant growth, blessed with dedicated fund-raising efforts of parishioners, and ambitious leadership, and inspired by a “work-and-pray” attitude, the mission began to develop the strategy to accomplish its vision in 1986. Building plans were generated for a log structure (Williamsport was the log capital of the world in the 19th century). On November 2, 1986, the community unanimously (and enthusiastically) adopted the project and rolled up their sleeves to execute the plan. On May 17, 1987, the mission observed “Super Sunday”; simultaneously burning the mortgage on the property and breaking ground for the new church. Over the next 17 months, work crews of parishioners and “friends” joined the pastor in the nitty-gritty tasks of construction under the leadership of masterbuilder Paul Beard. The Auxiliary provided meals for the crews. During the two hottest Summers of the century and a bitter Winter, workers worked….hard!

The basic structure of the church is an 180-year-old hand-hewn log barn, painstakingly dismantled, cleaned, transported (from five miles away) and reassembled on site. The distinctive cupolas were executed within the structure and hoisted into place. Various appointments were discovered from numerous sources that enhanced the building-in-progress to conform to “God’s design”. This project was accomplished without a mortgage. Parishioner loans and generous financial support to this unique project satisfied construction costs.

The new church, now a full-fledged parish, was formally consecrated to the glory of God on November 12, 1988 by Bishop Herman. Within the altar table were sealed the relics of the Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria (+305) to whom the parish has grown especially close through the years.

The church basement (parish center) was completed—again by parishioners—during Holy Week, 1989. Subsequently, the former chapel was renovated to house the parish office and 2 classrooms, and the driveway and parking area expanded and paved. The sign which identifies the building was added in 1991.

The church is one of the most unique structures in Pennsylvania and has generated great interest. Architectural classes from the local colleges regularly visit. Photographers and tourists come by the dozens. Parishioner and neighborhood guests invariably schedule a visit. And international tourists appear especially during the annual Little League World Series held in August.

After the retirement of Archpriest Daniel Kovalak, His Eminence, Archbishop Mark assigned the Rev. Fr. Seraphim Reynolds on October 1st, 2018 as the new Parish Rector.