Home » News & Events » Very Rev. Protopresbyter Stephen Dutko Reposes in the Lord
Very Rev. Protopresbyter Stephen Dutko Reposes in the Lord
April 24, 2009
BINGHAMTON, NY - Very Rev. Protopresbyter Stephen
Dutko, Pastor Emeritus of St. Michael's Church, Binghamton, NY,
peacefully Reposed in the Lord early this morning. Father Stephen
was the eldest and still functioning Orthodox priest of the diocese, having
marked his 92nd birthday on January 3. On May 10th of this year he would have
celebrated his 67th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood.
Father Stephen was predeceased by his wife, Pani Mary Dzuback Dutko in 1990
and his son, Richard J. Dutko in 1967.
He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, the Very Rev.
Protopresbyter James S. and Pani Kathleen Dutko and David and Cheryl Dutko, all
of Binghamton, four grandchildren, Richard M. Dutko of Binghamton, James A. and
his wife Rachel Dutko of Philadelphia, PA, and Christina M. and Matthew D.
Dutko both of Binghamton, his brother-in-law, Joseph Dzuback and many nieces
and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are as follows: Father Stephen's body will lie in state
at St. Michael's Church, 292
Clinton Street, Binghamton
on Monday from 6-9pm where at 7pm, a memorial service will be offered by area
clergy. Viewing at the Church will continue on Tuesday from 4-9pm where at 7pm,
a Priest's Burial Service will be celebrated by Metropolitan Nicholas and
consistory clergy. A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10am.
Burial will follow Liturgy at St. Michael's Church Cemetery.
Father Stephen was a graduate of Union
College, Cranford, NJ,
and Christ the Savior Seminary.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 10, 1942 at St.
John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Bridgeport, CT
by the late Metropolitan Orestes. He was assigned to organize St. Mary's
Orthodox Church in Buffalo
where he served as pastor until 1947. He was then transferred to St. Michael's
Orthodox Church in Freeland,
PA. While pastor of St.
Michael's, he oversaw the building of a new rectory, the completion of the
church and the construction of an educational center with a bowling alley.
In September 1961, he assumed the pastorate of St. Michael's Church in Binghamton. He was the
spiritual father for many, served as director of the Diocesan Altar Boy Retreat
for over thirty years and fostered thirteen vocations to the priesthood, nine
of whom were from St. Michael's. While pastor of St. Michael's i Binghamton he oversaw
many projects including the renovation of the church and the installation of
new church bells and towers.
Father Stephen also served as a member of the diocesan consistory for more
than 25 years.
Father Stephen will be forever known for his priestly zeal and faithful
attention to the souls entrusted to his care, and especially his selfless
outreach to those ill at home and in the hospital. His special love of church
music and his knowledge and skill at singing the traditional prostopinje (plain
chant) of the Carpatho-Rusyn people was known and respected throughout the United States and Europe.
(Listen to Father Stephen Sing The Exapostolarion at Resurrection Matins
2009)
Click the Play
Button
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Father Stephen's memory to
St. Michael's Capital Campaign, Christ the Savior Seminary, Johnstown, PA or to
Camp Nazareth, in Mercer, PA.
May Almighty God Rest the Soul of His Newly Departed Servant, The
Ever-memorable Protopresbyter Stephen in the Mansions of the Just, Where There
is no Pain, Sorrow or Mourning, But Life Everlasting. May His Memory be
Eternal, Vichnaja Jemu Pamjat, Christ is Risen!
Blaise the Holy Martyr of Sebastia; Theodora the Empress; Finding of the relics of Zachariah the Prophet, Father of the Holy Forerunner; George the Serbian
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April 24, 2009
Funeral arrangements are as follows: Father Stephen's body will lie in state
at St. Michael's Church, 292
Clinton Street, Binghamton
on Monday from 6-9pm where at 7pm, a memorial service will be offered by area
clergy. Viewing at the Church will continue on Tuesday from 4-9pm where at 7pm,
a Priest's Burial Service will be celebrated by Metropolitan Nicholas and
consistory clergy. A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10am.
Burial will follow Liturgy at St. Michael's Church Cemetery.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 10, 1942 at St.
John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Bridgeport, CT
by the late Metropolitan Orestes. He was assigned to organize St. Mary's
Orthodox Church in Buffalo
where he served as pastor until 1947. He was then transferred to St. Michael's
Orthodox Church in Freeland,
PA. While pastor of St.
Michael's, he oversaw the building of a new rectory, the completion of the
church and the construction of an educational center with a bowling alley. 
In September 1961, he assumed the pastorate of St. Michael's Church in Binghamton. He was the
spiritual father for many, served as director of the Diocesan Altar Boy Retreat
for over thirty years and fostered thirteen vocations to the priesthood, nine
of whom were from St. Michael's. While pastor of St. Michael's i Binghamton he oversaw
many projects including the renovation of the church and the installation of
new church bells and towers.
