Archeparchy’s Newest Deacons to Serve Their Parishes in Pennsylvania, Texas
Three pious men of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh were ordained to the Holy Diaconate in January by Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla in two separate ceremonies which took place 1,235 miles apart. The three – Subdeacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski, Subdeacon Gary Stafford and Subdeacon Brian Norrell – realized the culmination of their formation and studies at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, which began in 2010 with application to the Archeparchy’s Deacon Formation Program.
Deacon Brian and Deacon Gary’s ordinations took place Sunday, January 17 at St. Basil the Great Church in Irving, Texas. Along with Archbishop William, concelebrating were Very Reverend Andrew J. Deskevich, parish pastor Father Daniel A. Forsythe and Father Dennis Smith.
Deacon Jeffrey’s ordination on Sunday, January 24 was celebrated at St. Elias Church in Munhall, Pa. Joining Archbishop William were parish pastor Very Reverend Andrew J. Deskevich, Archpriest John G. Petro, Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda, Deacon Timothy J. Corbett, and Deacon Brian Norrell. Frank Wahal served as Reader; responses were led by Cantor Cori Poklembo.
In his homily for both ceremonies, Archbishop William recollected the calling of the first deacons and of the wonderful and necessary service they provided to the early Church. He tendered the reminder that even today, we also are called to discipleship and to give service in various ways for the benefit of God’s people and for the building up of his Church.
