Over the weekend of July 22-23, 2023, Archbishop Melchisedek rededicated the temple of Nativity of the Theotokos Church in Madera. His Eminence’s visit marked the official end to the first phase of the  renovation project to renew and beautify the 114-year-old church in the heart of the Moshannon Valley in Clearfield County.

The Parish of SS. Mary & Michael is the sacramental community of Christians worshipping at both Saint Michael Church in Irvona, and Nativity of the Theotokos Church in Madera. With services alternating between the two worship locations, they minister to the people of the greater Clearfield area. 

During renovations, the original cross planted in 1909 was rediscovered. The cross is buried directly underneath the altar. Although the renovations were not totally complete, the church reopened for services the weekend of Annunciation. Finally, during the weekend of July 22-23, the temple was rededicated. On Saturday evening, a molebien was held following the Great Vespers, attended not only by the Faithful but also many of the non-Orthodox craftsman who had worked on the project. On Sunday His Eminence presided over the Diving Liturgy.