On Sunday October 12, His Eminence joined the faithful of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Allison Park for the Divine Liturgy commemorating the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council. It was also the 50th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Archpriest David Vernak.

Father David is originally from Sewickly, a son of Holy Ghost Church in Ambridge. While completing his Masters of Divinity at Saint Vladimirs, he and Matushka Miriam were married in her home parish of Christ the Savior in Paramus, NJ. A little over a year later, after graduating from seminary, he was ordained first to the Holy Diaconate by Metropolitan Ireny, and then to the Holy Priesthood by then-Bishop Theodosius at his home parish in Ambridge. After many years of serving God’s Faithful in New Jersey, Father David and Matushka Miriam returned to Pittsburgh after “retiring” from full-time parish pastorship, though they remain very active in their ministry to those at the Cathedral and all around the diocese.

His Eminence and Father David's and Matushka Miriam's family joined the faithful of St. Alexander Nevsky to mark the occasion. Additionally, His Eminence presented Gramotas of the Holy Synod expressing their thanks for Father and Matushka' 50 years of service to God.  May God grant Father David and Matushka Miriam many years!

For more information regarding His Eminence's upcoming parish visits, please check the Calendar on this website.