Protodeacon Gregory Hatrak, 46, Director of Marketing and Operations for Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Press and Bookstore and former Bookstore Manager for Saint Tikhon’s Seminary and Monastery, unexpectedly fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, July 1, 2017.
Born December 22, 1970, in Minersville, PA, the son of Archpriest Michael and Matushka Valeria Hatrak, Protodeacon Gregory began serving in the altar at the age of three, nurtured by his father who was Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church. Throughout his youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts and, during his years at Minersville High School, he played the saxophone in the marching band. At the age of 16, he served as a volunteer firefighter for the Minersville Rescue Hook and Ladder Company. Upon graduation from high school in 1988, he enrolled in Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Theology degree through a joint program between the seminary and Marywood University, Scranton, PA. He went on to work at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, eventually serving as bookstore manager. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Lake Ariel Fire Company.
On October 19, 2008, he married the former Robyn Alexander. After his ordination to the diaconate by His Grace, Bishop [now Metropolitan] Tikhon on September 26, 2010, he began his tenure as manager of the bookstore at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY. Because of his ability and expertise, he was promoted to the position of Managing Director of the bookstore and SVS Press. During his tenure, SVS Press and bookstore underwent tremendous growth and, in 2016, surpassed the one-million dollar mark. He maintained a rigorous travel schedule to ensure the visibility of SVS Press and its reputation and sales in national and global markets, including Great Britain. He was elevated to the dignity of Protodeacon on May 23, 2017 in recognition of his many years of devoted service to the Church.
In addition to his beloved Matushka Robyn and his parents, Protodeacon Gregory is survived by his brother, Matthew [Lori] Hatrak and sister, Natalie Hatrak.
Visitation will be held at Three Hierarchs Chapel, Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5. A Panikhida followed by a repast will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., after which Protodeacon Gregory will be taken to Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church, where regular daily services will begin at 4:30 p.m. He will lie in state through the Funeral Service, which will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, July 6, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Metropolitan Tikhon will preside. Interment will follow in Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery, followed by a mercy meal at Saint Michael’s Center, 403 Delaware Street, Jermyn, PA at approximately 12:30 p.m.
For those wishing to make a contribution in Protodeacon Gregory’s memory, a Memorial Fund has been established for the benefit of Matushka Robyn.
May Protodeacon Gregory’s memory be eternal!