January 1, 2012

BETHLEHEM, PA [OCA]

Archpriest Michael Romanchak,
98, fell asleep in the Lord here at Saint Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill, on
Sunday afternoon, January 1, 2012.



Born in Warrior Run, PA, the
son of the late Stefan and Paraskeva [Fedok] Romanchak. Father Michael
graduated from Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA.  After marriage
to the former Julia Knapp 60 years ago, he was ordained to the priesthood in
New York in 1952.  After completing his first assignment in in Syracuse,
NY, he was assigned to Holy Trinity Church, Catasauqua, PA in April 1954. 
He retired from active ministry in 1986.  He served until the time of his
death at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral.



Father Michael also served as
a volunteer chaplain at Allentown State Hospital for 15 years and as President
of the region’s Brotherhood of Orthodox Priests.  He was honored by the
United Fund for his service to the community.  For 15 years he delivered
Meals on Wheels.  He also published numerous articles in newspapers and
religious journals.



In addition to his wife,
Matushka Julia, Father Michael is survived by son Sergius [Louise], McLean, VA;
daughter Paula Cagli [Alessandro], Belgium; grandchildren Maximos, Eli and
Arianna; nephew Archpriest Stefan [Larissa] Romanchak and their family;
grand-nephew Matthew Romanchak, novice at Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville,
NY; niece Marilyn [John] Nunnally; and brother-in-law George Knapp.  He is
also survived by many other nieces and nephews.



Visitation will be held at
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1607 West Union Blvd., Bethlehem, PA,
on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.  The Funeral Service will be
celebrated at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will resume at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday,
January 4, at 9:00 a.m., with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 10:00
a.m.  A Mercy Meal will follow in the cathedral’s Cambanes Hall.



At 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, a
Panikhida will be celebrated at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, PA,
followed by interment in the Saint Tikhon’s Cemetery.



May Father Michael’s memory be
eternal!