Holy Cross Parish in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, Celebrates Its 120th Anniversary

Hermitage, Pennsylvania — On October 24–25, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America was among the faithful of Holy Cross Orthodox Parish on the occasion of the parish’s 120th anniversary.

The celebration began on Saturday with a Parastas Service and Great Vespers, celebrated in the presence of His Eminence by Rev. Fr. Spyridon Ickes, the parish priest, together with clergy from the Great Lakes USA Deanery: Rev. Fr. Cezar Pelin of St. Mary Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio; Rev. Fr. Cezar Cisloiu of Holy Trinity Church in Youngstown, Ohio; Rev. Fr. Cosmin Ștefan Barbos of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania; and Rev. Hdn. Benedict Oancea of Vatra Românească in Grass Lake, Michigan.

On October 25, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, His Eminence celebrated the Holy and Divine Liturgy. Assisting His Eminence were Rev. Fr. Spyridon Ickes, the parish priest, and Rev. Hdn. Benedict Oancea.

Founded in 1906 in Farrell, Pennsylvania, the parish built its first church in 1910. The present church was erected in 1962 and consecrated by Archbishop Valerian Trifa. The anniversary offered an opportunity to give…