Reverend Roman Orest Mirchuk

Courtesy of St. Josaphat Eparchy:

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Father Roman Orest Mirchuk.

Father Roman departed for his heavenly abode on the morning of April 24, 2024, at 8:05 AM, following a long illness. He was 73 years old.

Father Roman was born in Munich, Germany, on September 13, 1950. In 1952, he and his family emigrated to the United States, settling in Philadelphia. He received his education from St. Basil the Great Elementary School, Cardinal Dougherty High School, and La Salle College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

In 1972, Father Roman entered the Catholic University and the Seminary of St. Josaphat in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in theology and a master’s degree in medieval East European history. From his youth, he was an active member of the – SUM.

Father Roman was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 1976, by Bishop Vasyl Losten of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Over 35 years, he served faithfully in various parishes of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) in the USA, and in the youth catechesis department. In 1991, in recognition of his service, Metropolitan of Philadelphia Bishop Stepan Sulyk honored him with a pectoral cross and a lapel pin.

From 1994 to 1999, he served as the vice-rector of the Lviv Theological Seminary of the Holy Spirit in Rudno, Lviv. In June 1997, the late Blessed Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky awarded him a miter in recognition of his extensive service and achievements.

Since 2015, Father Roman ministered in the Odesa Exarchate, serving at the Parish of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God in Mykolaiv and the Parish of the Ascension of the Lord in Odesa. After suffering a stroke in June 2023, he underwent intensive rehabilitation in Odesa and later in the House of Mercy of St. Veronica of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word in Petrykiv, Ternopil, where he spent his final days.

His Eminence Bishop Mykhail Bubnii, the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Odesa Exarchate extend their heartfelt condolences to Father Roman’s family, both blood and spiritual, and especially to the people of Sumy, to whom he dedicated much love. We pray for the Lord’s mercy and for the eternal rest of his soul. Eternal memory to him!

Schedule of Funeral Services:

Wednesday, April 24
8:00 PM – Parastas at the chapel of the Lviv Theological Seminary of the Holy Spirit, Rudno.

Thursday, April 25
2:00 PM – Requiem service, followed by the transportation of the body to Dobrivlyany, Strysky district.
4:00 PM – Body received at the entrance of Dobrivlyany village from Lviv.
5:00 PM – Priestly parastas and funeral rites, including the reading of the Gospel.
6:00 PM – Funeral Divine Liturgy.

Friday, April 26
12:00 – Rite of priest’s funeral.

We invite all who knew Father Roman to join us in these services to bid farewell and to celebrate his remarkable life.

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