HIS EMINENCE, ARCHBISHOP (E) +PHILIP

Name Day: November 14/28
Ordained a priest: 1972
Consecrated to the episcopate: February 7, 1977 — Los Angeles, California (Axios!)
His Eminence, Archbishop Philip, Archbishop of Philadelphia (Retired), is one of the foremost hierarchs of the True Orthodox Church of the Diaspora and a pivotal figure in the establishment and growth of Old Calendar Orthodoxy in North America. For over five decades, he has provided steadfast leadership, pastoral care, and tireless commitment to preserving patristic and canonical tradition.
Ordained a priest in 1972, he was elevated to the episcopate on February 7, 1977, in Los Angeles, California, receiving the acclamation "Axios!" His initial episcopal ministry was marked by remarkable missionary zeal: from 1978 to 1986, he built four parishes in Los Angeles County, establishing a strong and lasting Orthodox presence in Southern California.
In 1986, Archbishop Philip moved to the East Coast, where he continued his pastoral ministry in New York City. During this period he founded and built the Chapel of the Archangels in Weatherly, Pennsylvania, which remains a spiritual center of the Diocese of the Archangels and a testament to his vision and dedication.
Contributions
Throughout his long and distinguished ministry, Archbishop Philip has offered decades of pastoral, missionary, and administrative leadership, shaping the life of the Church through teaching, writing, and charitable service. His contributions include:
founding the Chapel of the Archangels in Weatherly, Pennsylvania;
co-chairing Archangel Memorial Park, a sacred place of prayer and remembrance;
publishing The Voice, an Orthodox journal of the Old Calendar (12 volumes, 66 issues);
and, as chairman of the board of Helping Hands Food Pantry, overseeing 28 food pantries in Carbon County.
He has also championed the Old Calendar and the patristic teachings of Orthodoxy,
preserved the integrity of the liturgical year,
provided pastoral care to clergy and faithful, and offered theological clarity in times of ecclesial confusion.
His Eminence's ministry has been characterized by humility, perseverance, and a profound love for the Church. His leadership has influenced generations of clergy and faithful, and his legacy continues to guide the Diocese of the Archangel.
In February, he will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his episcopate, a milestone marking half a century of unwavering service to the Holy Church of Christ.
Contact
Diocese of the Archangel, Orthodox Church of the Holy Archangels, 631 West Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255,
Phone: (484) 639-1506