MERCER, PA -- On Bright Friday, April 29, 2011, the diocese held its annual Bright Friday celebration at Camp Nazareth. 50 faithful from around the diocese including 12 priests and 2 deacons gathered for the annual Bright Week celebration. The day began with Paschal Matins celebrated by Fr. Robert Prepelka and attending priests, followed by the Paschal Liturgy celebrated by Fr. Kenneth Bachofsky together with the attending priests. After the Paschal Liturgy a panachida was celebrated for His Eminence our beloved Metropolitan Nicholas who always called for and loved this celebration during Bright Week. It was remarked that His Eminence enjoyed the time with the priests from the different deaneries local to Camp especially because of the continued celebration of Pascha.

The clergy in attendance and serving included Very Reverend Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky (Warren, OH),Very Reverend Protopresbyter Robert Buczak (Homestead, PA), Very Reverend Protopresbyter George Hutnyan (Youngstown, OH), Very Reverend Michael Kabel (St. Clairsville, OH), Very Reverend Thomas Kadlec (Cheektowaga, NY), Very Reverend Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka (Sharon, PA), Very Reverend Robert Prepelka (Ambridge, PA), Very Reverend Protopresbyter Richard Salley (New Castle, PA), Reverend Robert Teklinski (Nesquehoning, PA), Protodeacon John Youhas (Ambridge, PA), Deacon John Anderson (Sharon, PA).

Followingthe Liturgy, those in attendance gathered long enough for a group picture inside the church (the weather was not cooperating) and then proceeded to the Lodge for a buffet brunch. The brunch included egg and cheese strata, kielbasa, ham, roasted potatoes, paska bread, fresh fruit, cheese paska, nut rolls, and kolachkie cookies. It was a delicious meal enjoyed by all in attendance. The faithful lingered a while after the brunch enjoying each other's company and the pleasant fellowship. In all it was a beautiful day begun with the liturgical celebration and concluding with lingering fellowship.