Guests from Ukrainian Catholic University Visit South Anthracite Deanery Parishes

On April 24, 2026, five parishes of the South Anthracite Deanery were visited by guests from Ukrainian Catholic University. The delegation included Taras Dobko, Yaroslav Prytula, Sophia Opatska, Volodymyr Turchenovskyy, Yaryna Boychuk, Anatolii Babynskyi, and Anna Turchenovska, who toured some of the oldest churches of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

They were able see the activities being held for the children of St. Nicholas school with the help of local businesses and volunteers. From there, the group went to St. Nicholas Church in Minersville, where Fr. Mark Fesniak explained the history of the church and its construction as well as the parish’s current status and demographics.

Next, they visited St. Michael’s Church in Frackville. Fr. Petro Zvarych met the group to show the church and speak to some of the challenges faced by the parish. After this, they moved to St. Michael’s Church in Shenandoah, where Fr. Bohdan Vasyliv spoke to the unique and beautiful stained-glass window depicting the history of the first church and its people and priest.

The group was also gifted crosses at St. Michael’s made from wood from the original church. Following this, they moved to Centralia where Fr. Paul Spotts showed them the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church and spoke to the pilgrimages that occur there annually as well as his experience growing up and serving in the parishes of the South Anthracite deanery.

Lastly, the group visited the Transfiguration of Our Lord Church in Shamokin, which is currently the oldest church in the area. Fr. Volodymyr Prokipchuk along with Fr. Mark Fesniak spoke of the history of the parish and shared some interesting facts.

The visit provided the guests with a deeper understanding of the history and life of the Archeparchy and its faithful.

The Archeparchy expresses gratitude to all the clergy who welcomed the delegation, and in a special way to Rev. Mark Fesniak for helping to organize and accompany the visit.