Archpriest John W. Govrusik, 93, fell asleep in the Lord at Laurel View Village here on Saturday, September 3, 2016.
Born in Peabody, MA on January 23, 1923, the son of Vladimir and Anna [Michalczyk] Govrusik, Father John was a graduate of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA. After his ordination in 1944, he was assigned to Saint Andrew Church, Baltimore, MD, a newly formed parish that he helped stabilize during the difficult World War II years. He then served Saint John the Divine Church, Monessen, PA, where he oversaw construction of the present church and rectory; Saints Peter and Paul Church, Boswell, PA; Saints Peter and Paul Church, Pine Hill, PA; and Holy Assumption Church, Central City, PA, to which he was attached in retirement. He served in numerous church and civic positions and was Dean of the Johnstown-Altoona Deanery from 1972 until 2012. In May 1963, he was awarded a jeweled pectoral cross by the Holy Synod of Bishops. In 2004, he was honored on the 60th Anniversary of his ordination.
Father John was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Priest John Govrusik, Jr.; and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Matushka Olga [Handziuk] Govrusik; daughter, Daria [Robert] Yanosky, Central City, PA; grandson, Robbie [Ashley]; granddaughters Stacey, Tiffany, and Nadine; daughter-in-law, Irene [Chupeck] Govrusik, Syracuse, NY; and sister, Mary Palladino, Lynnfield, MA.
Funeral services and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated at Saint Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, Johnstown, PA, on September 6-7. On Monday, September 12, interment will take place at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery, South Canaan, PA after a brief service at 10:30 a.m.
May Father John’s memory be eternal!