NORWOOD, NY — Saint Olympia Orthodox Mission joyfully celebrated its Altar Feast in honor of Saint Olympia the Deaconess of Constantinople on July 24–25, 2026. The parish was honored to welcome His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, for an archpastoral visit that brought together clergy, faithful, and pilgrims from across northern New York.

The celebration began on Friday evening with the festal Vigil in honor of Saint Olympia, led by Rev. Gregory Fedorchak. The service was enriched by the beautiful hymnography of the feast, prayerfully composed and chanted under the direction of the parish's Protopsaltis, Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis. Through the Church's hymns and readings, the faithful reflected on the remarkable witness of Saint Olympia, who "saw Christ's image in all whom she met," cherishing, nurturing, and defending those in need through a life wholly devoted to the service of God and His Church. As the Synaxarion proclaims, she was “rich, yet unbound by wealth... frail through fasting, yet provider to the hungry.” A devoted spiritual daughter and co-laborer of St. John Chrysostom, she defended the Church in truth and love while caring for the poor, the sick, and all those entrusted to her.

On Saturday morning, Vladyka Michael led the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Rev. Gregory Fedorchak and V. Rev. David Mezynski, visiting from St. John the Baptist Church in Rochester, NY, concelebrated. During the service, His Eminence bestowed two significant blessings upon the mission. On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska, he presented the parish with a relic of the Righteous Matushka Olga of Alaska, one of the relics distributed to Orthodox parishes throughout North America following her recent glorification. His Eminence also presented Saint Olympia Mission with a new antimension containing a relic of the Holy New Hieromartyr Basil Martysz of Poland (1874–1945), who bore witness to Christ unto death during the persecution of the Church in the closing days of WWII.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful were invited to venerate the newly received relic of the Righteous Matushka Olga of Alaska. The parish then gathered for a festive luncheon and fellowship, marking a particularly meaningful milestone in the life of the mission. For the first time since the devastating regional flooding of 2024 severely damaged the church basement, the parish was once again able to share a communal meal in its restored fellowship hall. This joyful homecoming reflected the tremendous progress made through the generosity of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, the sacrificial efforts of parishioners and friends, and, above all, God's abundant mercy in response to the prayers of the faithful. The restoration of the parish facilities is now nearing completion after two years of dedicated labor.

Vladyka Michael returned to the church on Saturday evening to pray Great Vespers with the faithful, bringing the Patronal Feast celebration to a prayerful conclusion before continuing his archpastoral visit to Saint John the Soldier Mission Station in Watertown, New York.

Saint Olympia Mission gives thanks to Almighty God for the blessing of Vladyka Michael's visit, for the loving pastoral care of Fr. Gregory Fedorchak and Presvytera Krista, and for the fellowship shared among clergy and faithful during this year's Patronal Feast. The community extends heartfelt thanks to the choir under the direction of Dr. Jessica Suchy-Pilalis, to Mother Sophronia for sharing her knowledge of Orthodox iconography, and to the many volunteers, benefactors, and faithful whose prayers and labors continue to strengthen the mission. As Saint Olympia Mission approaches the completion of its restoration following the 2024 flood, this year's Patronal Feast stood as a joyful testament to God's providence, the communion of the saints, and the enduring faith of His people.

All are warmly invited to come and experience the beauty of Orthodox Christian worship and the hospitality of this faithful community in the North Country. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian, someone exploring the faith, or simply passing through the region, you will find a welcoming parish family eager to receive you.

For service times and parish information, please visit our parish website at saintolympiaorthodoxchurch.org or contact Fr. Gregory Fedorchak at 607-427-3286 or by email at: father.fedorchak@gmail.com

We look forward to welcoming you in Christ.

Holy Mother Olympia, pray to God for us! ☦