Oldest Catholic U.S. pastor retires at age 97

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Philadelphia, Pa., Jan 18, 2009 / 04:43 pm (CNA).- After serving as the pastor of SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Olyphant, Pennsylvania for over 50 years, Monsignor Stephen Hrynuck, 97, has retired due to health concerns.

Orphaned at an early age, the Ukranian Catholic Eparchy of Philadelphia reports, Msgr. Hrynuck was left in the custody of an uncle who dreamed of the boy studying at Temple University and becoming a doctor. However, a friend of Msgr. Hrynuck’s parents instead convinced him to meet with the bishop of Philadelphia and tell him of his desire to become a priest.

Two weeks after knocking on the bishop’s door, Msgr. Hrynuck was on a plane to Italy. He was ordained in Rome over 70 years ago, on April 3, 1938.

Following his ordination, he served in Minneapolis and also several seminaries. After a prestigious assignment in Washington, D.C., he took a humble post in a small town north of Scranton named Olyphant as pastor of SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Fifty-seven years later, on the first Sunday of the new year, Msgr. Hrynuck was seated in the pews with his fellow parishioners.

After over half a century, not being on the altar for Sunday Liturgy could be a shock to a preacher, but Msgr. Hrynuck explained that just not the case for him. “I will have to adjust myself, but it’s for the best.”

“I tell them (parishioners), I was trying for 57 years to bring you closer to God,” the monsignor continued. “And I hope they stay with the Lord.”

The monsignor announced his retirement a few months ago, citing problems with his health. He recently had a bad fall, something he took as a sign. Archbishop Stefan Soroka, of the Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said the monsignor retires as one of the oldest Catholic pastors serving in the United States.

Comments: 5

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Audrey amberg
Goodrich, MI, USA 01/20/2009 08:53 PM EST

Through the graciousness of Fr. Anthony Majchrowski, who turned 90 on Christmas Eve of this year, we have been able to celebrate, thanks to many holy priests, the Trlidentine Mass since the pope allowed the indult in 1988. Father Majchrowski is there to help distribute Holy Communion every Sunday at our 4:00 P .M. Mass. He cannot be contacted at all on any Friday; he is making his sick calls! God love him, and may many priests emulate him. Of course we wish him many years. (This good priest is also a ham radio operator, constructed the "so called" obligatory Novus Ordo table" out of matching "marble" Formica, is a well-known motorcycle expert, deer hunter (and cook) extraordinaire ("Father, did you get a deer this year?" "Is the Pope Catholic?")

Did I mention that he is loved in spades?

Published by: Daniel Muller
Dallas 01/20/2009 10:53 AM EST

"not being on the altar for Sunday Liturgy"

I think that the CATHOLIC News Service can do better that this inappropriate phrase: viz. "not being in the sanctuary for Divine Liturgy."

Published by: Eugene Zumchak
Buffalo, NY 01/20/2009 09:03 AM EST

Not the whole story. The church Msgr. Hrynuck was assigned in Olyphant had been in the courts four years with internal problems. He asked a Redemptorist priest how to solve it, and was told to establish a devotion to the Blessed Mother. Without missing a week, Msgr. Hrynuck has conducted a uniquely Ukrainian service to the Mother of God for fifty years! This devotion has produced 14 priests and 14 nuns!

Published by: Joan
Florence, OR, USA 01/19/2009 05:07 PM EST

I saw Father Hrynuck interviewed last year on EWTN. Truly a holy man, very concerned that people know the truth, and also lively with a sense of humor. God bless him with a peaceful retirement.

Published by: Tom Kelty
Valatie NY USA 01/19/2009 04:00 PM EST

Fr Basil Heiser OFMConv was recently honored at a luncheon in Rome on his 100th birthday. He extended profuse thanks to God,Friars and friends. He died in his sleep that night.

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