by Peggy Duker Chabala
Following an illustrious ecclesiastical career in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, Monsignor Russell Andrew Duker has retired.
One of seven children born to Stephen Daniel Duker and Mary Agnes Varhola from West Aliquippa, Pa., Monsignor Duker is the only priestly vocation born and raised at Saint George Byzantine Catholic Church in Aliquippa, Pa., where he served as an altar boy and where his father, Stephen D. Duker, was the cantor for many years.
In pursuing his vocation, Monsignor Duker completed studies at our SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Duquesne University, and The North American College in Rome, Italy, culminating in his receiving a Doctoral Degree in Ecclesiastical History in the summer of 1982 from The Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
On Sept. 21, 1984, the papal document conferring upon Father Duker, the office of Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, Saint John Paul II, with the title of Monsignor was assigned at the Vatican by the Papal Secretary of State, Augustine Cardinal Casaroli.
In 1990, because of Monsignor Duker’s personal agency, he was appointed by Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen J. Kocisko to be the Rector of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, North Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. At that time, Monsignor also served as the Professor of Dogmatic Theology and Homiletics. Subsequently, he completed his five-year term of office as rector of the Seminary in 1995.
During his priestly vocation, Monsignor served as the Chancellor and Vicar General of the Archeparchy under several Archbishops. These appointments afforded him the opportunity to serve in various executive ecumenical positions, not only in our Archeparchy, but on other pastoral committees affecting all Christians.
Monsignor Duker is the author of numerous copywrited publications and articles that deal with the history, liturgy, and theological tradition of the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church. He has traveled and lectured extensively on these topics at many academic and ecclesiastical institutions, not only in the United States but abroad.
In Sept. 2020, Monsignor Duker celebrated his 50th year of spiritual leadership in the Vineyard of Christ. Throughout his ecclesiastic years, Monsignor Duker has served in several parishes culminating in the last 26 years as the pastor of Holy Spirit Church in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Saint Pius X Church in Carrick, Pittsburgh, Pa.
During his retirement, we wish Monsignor Russell God’s blessings and prayers. He is definitely revered by so many of his brother priests, parishioners, and friends, whom he has touched throughout his many years as a dedicated priest, and for being such a special example of living a life of faith.
Na mnohaja i blahaja l’ita!
