Father Nathaniel Tapsak ordained to priesthood at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks. Pa.
By The Byzantine Catholic World
Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla ordained Father Nathaniel Tapsak to the priesthood June 2 at Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa.
Father Nathaniel grew up in northeast Pennsylvania near Bloomsberg.
He was ordained to the diaconate on Aug. 20, 2023 at Holy Ghost and was graduated from the Seminary in May of the same year.
Concelebrants included Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, Protosyncellus and rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.; Very Rev. Frank Firko, pastor of Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks and Holy Ghost in Pittsburgh (North Side), Pa.; Very Rev. Ronald Barusefski, rector of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh; Father Will Rupp, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul in Warren, Ohio; and Very Rev. Kevin Marks, Vocations Director and pastor of St. Michael in Hermitage, Pa. and St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio.
In attendence with many other friends, relatives and parishioners were Father Nathaniel’s wife and daughter, Natalia and Irena, respectively; and his parents, Mark and Karena.
Very Rev. Ron, who delivered the homily, commended Father Nathaniel for “his many gifts he shared at the seminary during his formation, especially in music and Liturgy.”
He also acknowledged the loving support that he has received from his family, especially from his wife, Natalia, during his years of formation at the seminary and also encouraged them to continue to do so.
He reminded Father Nathaniel that “while his years at seminary are now complete, his formation is only just continuing as he will now be applying and experiencing what he has learned in his new life as a priest for Christ and His Church.”
