Succeeds Bishop Gerald Dino as Fifth Bishop of the Eparchy of Phoenix
During the solemn celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Wednesday July 20, 2016, Metropolitan
Archbishop William C. Skurla, in the presence Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, enthroned Most Reverend John S. Pazak as the fifth bishop of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic (Ruthenian) Eparchy of Phoenix.
A former bishop of the Eparchy of Phoenix, Metropolitan William recited the prayers of enthronement, culminating with a robust chorus of “Axios!” (He is worthy!), echoed by the clergy, religious and faithful in attendance. The enthronement was celebrated at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church in Glendale, Ariz. due to space considerations.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of the Diocese of Tucson were among those attending the enthronement, along with many brother bishops including Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic. After Archbishop Pierre read the official bulla, Metropolitan William, who also is the Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy of Parma, offered the prayers of enthronement and presented the newly enthroned bishop with his pastoral staff.
Bishop John S. Pazak (center) is enthroned as the Fifth Bishop of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix at the hand of Metropolitan William C. Skurla July 20. Byzantine Catholic Seminary Rector Very Rev. Robert Pipta (left) served as Master of Ceremonies. photos courtesy of Light of the West / Eparchy of Phoenix
At the conclusion of the enthronement ceremony and led by the Metropolitan, Bishop
John took his seat upon the bishop’s throne, signifying the official start of his episcopacy in the Eparchy of Phoenix. He succeeds Bishop Gerald N. Dino, who after eight years of leadership of the eparchy, retired from active ministry May 7, 2016. Bishop John Pazak was born Aug. 13, 1946, in Gary, Indiana. A professed member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) Aug. 13, 1965, he was ordained to the priesthood Aug. 27, 1972 and spent much of his priesthood in Canada and is a dual citizen.
He was ordained a bishop and enthroned Feb. 14, 2001 as the second Eparch of the Eparchy of Saints Cyril and Methodius for Byzantine Catholic Slovaks in Canada, based in Toronto. In his first homily as Bishop of Phoenix, Bishop John stated that one of his goals during the next 18 months will be to pay episcopal visits to each of the 20 parishes of the eparchy, which includes churches in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. He also is committed as apostolic administrator for the Slovak Eparchy of Toronto until a successor is named and enthroned there.
May God grant to his servant Most Reverend Bishop John
peace, health and happiness for many blessed years!
Axios!
Newly enthroned Bishop John is greeted by Apostolic Nuncio Christophe Pierre.
Before his throne, Metropolitan William and hierarchs commence with the Enthronement of Bishop John S. Pazak.
(from left) Bishop John Pazak, Metropolitan William Skurla, Bishop Kurt Burnette, Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the Ukrainian Eparchy of St. Josaphat and Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix.
(from left) Bishop Gerald Kicanas of the Diocese of Tucson, Bishop David Motiuk of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton, Bishop Emeritus John Kudrick, Bishop Emeritus Gerald Dino, Apostolic Nuncio Christophe Pierre.
Deacon John Montalvo (left) assists Bishop John at the prothesis in preparation for the Great Entrance.
