Reverend Father Julian Anthony, a retired priest of the Archeparchy fell asleep in the Lord in his home country of India on May 22.
Father Julian was a renowned scholar, prolific writer, and professor, especially of Biblical Studies, his area of expertise. He earned both the Doctorate and Licentiate degrees in that field from the Gregorian University in Rome. He also held the Baccalaureate Degree in Theology from the Pontifical Institute of Theology in Bangalore, India.
Father Julian began his ministry in America in 1993 in Washington D.C. when he served as the Spiritual Director for the seminarians at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary, and as a Professor at the Oblate School of Theology. Within the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, he was later appointed to the churches of St. John, Northampton, Pa.; St. Nicholas, Great Meadows, New Jersey; and Holy Ghost, West Easton, Pa.
In 1998, Father Julian briefly ministered in the Eparchy of Parma as chaplain to the Byzantine Nuns of Poor Clare in North Royalton, Ohio. He requested permission to serve in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, and his first appointment was to St. John Chrysostom Church in Houston, Texas. While there, he taught at St. Thomas University. He next was assigned as chaplain to the Sisters of St. Basil at Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa. and pastor of St. Mary Church, Morgantown, W. Va. This was followed by administrator of St. Mary Church, Latrobe, Pa.; and then by teaching at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary while in residence at Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Pittsburgh. In 2010, he was incardinated into the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.
After living in America for almost 20 years, Father Julian retired from active ministry here and returned to India in 2011. He published three books in Tamil, his native language, explaining the biblical background of the Divine Liturgy and the centrality of its place in the Byzantine tradition. He also worked with Religious Sisters in a mission to help the poor.
We received word from India only of his death and burial from Sacred Heart Cathedral, Tanjavur, India.
In blessed repose, grant O Lord eternal rest to your departed servant the priest Julian and remember him forever! n
