Diocesan Photo Gallery

Photo Galleries of the Various Institutions and Ministries of the Diocese

Remembering Fr. Ronald Hazuda

Very Rev. Protopresbyter Ronald Hazuda, Age 81, Fell Asleep In The Lord on Thursday, May 5, 2017.

Born July 18, 1935 in Coaldale, Pa. he was a son of the late George, Sr. and Bertha (Medinci) Hazuda. He graduated from Nesquehoning High School and attended Penn State University and Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, Pa. where he graduated with a Licentiate of Theology. He later graduated from Gannon University with his B.A. Degree.

Fr. Ronald was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence, Metropolitan Orestes on June 8, 1958. He served his first pastorate as administrator of SS. Peter & Paul Church in Newark, N.J. for 14 months. In 1959 he was assigned to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Erie, PA where he served as pastor for over 52 years with piety, strength and unwavering faith. until his retirement in 2011. Upon retirement, he was named Pastor Emeritus of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. He concurrently served as pastor of St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Corry, Pa. for 58 years.

In addition to serving the Parish family of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Father Ronald offered his business acumen to the Diocese. He faithfully served as Diocesan Treasurer and Consistory Board of Trustees member for over 34 years and for 28 years was the Director of the Diocesan Priest Pension fund. Under his direction, St. Nicholas Church underwent many building projects including construction of a new rectory, renovation of the Church interior and the erection of a new Iconostas. Also during his tenure three sons of the parish entered the Holy Priesthood. In recognition of Fr. Ronald's faithful service to the Diocese, His Grace, Bishop Gregory recently bestowed the coveted, Bohorodica Award, upon him.

May our good God grant blessed repose and rest eternal to His faithful servant, the newly-departed servant, The Priest Ronald and render eternal his memory, Vicnaja Jemu Pamjat!, Christos Voskres! Christ is Risen!
Fr. Ronald Hazuda offers the handcross.
(2009 Diocesan Sobor)
Fr. Ronald chants the appointed Gospel reading.
(50th Anniversary of Ordination)
Father Ronald prays at the altar. (50th Anniversary of Ordination)
The clergy in attendance for the Jubilee Liturgy. (50th Anniversary of Ordination)
Father Ronald is joined on the solea by His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, Fr. Stephen Dutko and the parish altarboys.
(50th Anniversary of Ordination)
Father Ronald is pictured with His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, a seminary classmate, along with Fr. Stephen Dutko.
(50th Anniversary of Ordination)
Very Rev. Protopresbyter Ronald Hazuda, Diocesan Treasurer and classmate of Metropolitan Nicholas offered his greetings to His Eminence at his 50th Anniversary of Ordination Celebration.
Very Rev. Protopresbyters Kenneth Bachofsky and Ronald Hazuda pray during the Great Entrance
(Nomination of Bishop Gregory)
Archbishop Demetrios with the Diocesan Consistory.

Photo by NHB
Consecration of His Grace, Bishop Gregory
Deanery clergy and parish vocations pose with His Grace, Bishop Gregory. (St Nicholas Church, 75th Anniversary)
Fr. Don Valasek - Bishop Gregory - Proto Ken Bachofsky - Proto Ronald Hazuda ((St Nicholas Church, 75th Anniversary)
Parastas For A Priest.
Funeral Liturgy
Interment.