Abp. Mark of Philadelphia Celebrates 21st Anniversary
On the 21st anniversary of his 2004 consecration in Damascus, Archbishop Mark—former Antiochian Bishop of Toledo, now OCA Archbishop of Philadelphia—leads a revitalized diocese marked by restored youth camps and new media outreach, with prayers of “Eis polla eti despota!” ringing out for many more years.
BATH, PA — His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Philadelphia celebrates the 21st anniversary of his consecration as a bishop on Friday, December 5, 2025, the feast of the Venerable Savva the Sanctified.
Abp. Mark was consecrated to the episcopacy on December 5, 2004, at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus, Syria. The ceremony was led by His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, joined by numerous metropolitans. Following his consecration, he was enthroned at St. George Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio, on August 25, 2005, where he served as Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest within the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
In 2011, His Eminence was received into the Orthodox Church in America on January 1, receiving the title of Bishop of Baltimore. He served as administrator of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania from 2012. On January 17, 2014, a special Diocesan Assembly at St. Nicholas Church in Bethlehem, PA, nominated him to lead the diocese. The Holy Synod of the OCA formally elected him on March 18, 2014.
His enthronement as Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania took place during a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Stephen's Cathedral on May 10, 2014. He was elevated to the rank of archbishop in 2015 during the Spring Session of the Holy Synod and has led the diocese for over 11 years, emphasizing spiritual growth and unity.
A key priority under Archbishop Mark's leadership has been the revitalization of youth ministry. Programs such as summer camps and retreats, severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, have been reopened and expanded, providing young people opportunities to deepen their faith and foster community amid post-isolation challenges.
Recognizing the role of modern outreach, Abp. Mark established the Diocesan Media Office on May 6, 2024, to strengthen connections through the diocesan website, digital platforms, and other resources.
As the diocese celebrates this milestone, prayers are offered for Abp. Mark's continued health and ministry.
"Eis polla eti despota!" Many years, Master!
