BATH, PA [DOEPA COMMUNICATIONS]

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania remembers the anniversary of the repose of His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman, honoring his legacy as the former Primate of the Orthodox Church in America and the former Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman (Joseph Swaiko) was born in Briarford, PA, on February 1, 1932, and baptized at St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church in Curtisville, PA. From a young age, he was active in parish life, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and serving on parish and diocesan councils. After completing his studies at Robert Morris School of Business, he served in the U.S. Army’s Adjutant General Corps before enrolling at Saint Tikhon’s Theological Seminary at the encouragement of his parish priest, graduating in 1963. While still a seminarian, he became secretary to Bishop Kiprian (Borisevich) and later served as Registrar and instructor at the Seminary.

Ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 1964, Father Joseph ministered to parishes in Dundaff and Uniondale, PA, while teaching and undertaking key administrative work at the Seminary. He played a central role in the Seminary’s development, the organization of its Board of Trustees, and in the landmark 14th All-American Sobor of 1970, which recognized the OCA’s autocephaly. Dedicated to youth ministry, he established the first summer camp at Saint Tikhon’s and inspired the creation of Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Bloomsburg State College.

On December 4, 1970, he was tonsured a monk with the name Herman, in honor of Saint Herman of Alaska. He was consecrated to the episcopacy in 1973 as Bishop of Wilkes-Barre, serving as auxiliary to the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. Following the repose of Archbishop Kiprian, he was elected Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania in 1981 and later elevated to Archbishop. During this time, he taught at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, recruited faculty, expanded the student body, and oversaw significant building and accreditation projects. Archbishop Herman also strengthened monastic life at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, where he welcomed new members and oversaw major building projects, including a new bell tower and mausoleum. His leadership extended beyond the diocese: he served the OCA in numerous national roles, including Chairman of the Department of Finance, Vice-Chairman of the Department of Missions, and Chairman of the Pension Board. He represented the OCA abroad on many occasions and took part in historic gatherings, such as the 1994 Ligonier Meeting of Orthodox bishops in North America.

On July 22, 2002, the Holy Synod elected him as the successor to Metropolitan Theodosius, and he was enthroned as Metropolitan Herman on September 8, 2002, at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, D.C. As Primate, he bore the responsibility of uniting the Archdiocese of Washington and New York and continued to represent the OCA nationally and internationally. Well known as a defender of the sanctity of life, he regularly led Orthodox participation in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Metropolitan Herman retired in 2008 and spent his remaining years in quiet prayer at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, where he had spent much of his life in service to the Church. He is remembered not only as the second American-born Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, but also as a dedicated teacher, mentor, and pastor to countless seminarians, clergy, and faithful. His Beatitude is especially remembered by those who were seminarians under his mentorship and by members of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania. His love for the divine services will always be remembered, along with his enduring legacy in the institutions he strengthened and the lives he touched through his service to Christ and His Church.

On the third anniversary of his repose, we pray that his memory be eternal! Вечна� пам�ть!

Issued by the Diocesan Media Office