Sub-deacon Michael Kunitz ordained to the Diaconate by Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla
By the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Archbishop William C. Skurla ordained Sub-deacon Michael David Kunitz to the Diaconate during the parochial Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. on Sunday morning, Oct. 3.
His wife Janine was present, as was his father David Kunitz, and other family members who traveled distances to participate in this joyous occasion.
Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy with Archbishop William were Very Reverends Andrew J. Deskevich and Robert M. Pipta. The deacon was Deacon Brian Norrell, the seminarians served, and Martin Bovee assisted. Sub-deacon Kyprian Wojciechowski was the master of ceremonies.
Cathedral Cantor George Janocsko with Seminarians Nathaniel Tapsak and Luke Iyengar led the congregational singing.
In his homily, Archbishop William mentioned the steps leading to the diaconate and ultimately to the priesthood. He emphasized that once Seminary preparation is over and a priest is ordained, his growth, education and formation continue in his relationships with those to whom he ministers, and they likewise reciprocally grow, learn, and are formed.
The new Deacon Michael was born in Dearborn, Mich., the middle of three sons of David and the late Margaret Merem Kunitz. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Theology and History and has experience in teaching.
After graduation from SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary with the Master of Divinity Degree, he was ordained to minor orders and the sub-diaconate by Most Reverend Milan Lach SJ in his parish church, St. Stephen in Allen Park, Mich., on Dec. 29, 2019. In the same church, then Sub-deacon Michael married the former Janine Golob on June 28, 2020.
A reception followed the liturgy in the lower level of the Cathedral.
May God grant to His servant Deacon Michael peace, health and happiness for many blessed years! n
