St. Olympia Mission Celebrates Patronal Feast with Archpastoral Visit of Archbishop Michael

[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…