Father Vitalii Stashkevych, born on April 2nd, 1990, in the picturesque city of Uzhhorod, Ukraine. My educational journey began after the 9th grade when I enrolled in college, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Theodore Romzha Theological Academy of the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo, Uzhhorod, Ukraine, guided by the blessing of Bishop +Milan Shashik. This marked the commencement of a transformative chapter in my life.
In pursuit of knowledge and with a profound sense of calling, I ventured to Rome, Italy, where in 2017, I received my License degree in Dogmatic Theology. However, my education wasn’t confined to academic halls; life, it seemed, had more profound lessons in store.
In 2016, I had the joy of meeting a wonderful soul Mary Elizabeth Kacsur, and on September 15th 2017, we embarked on the journey of marriage at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church in McKees Rocks, PA. This union, blessed by Archbishop William, set the stage for my ordained roles in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.
November 8th, 2017, witnessed my ordination to the Diaconate, with subsequent elevation to the priesthood on January 14th, 2018. Assigned to assist Fr. Andrew in Munhall, PA, my responsibilities expanded to include administrative duties at St Elias Byzantine Catholic Church in Munhall, PA and Sts Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Braddock, PA.
Life in these parishes has been a tapestry of cultural richness and community engagement. Annual events such as the Fish fry, nut rolls, pirohi sales, and picnic days have become not just fundraisers but expressions of unity within our unique heritages.
Each parish, St Elias and Sts Peter and Paul, holds its own cultural legacy – Hungarian and Carpatho-Rusyn respectively. My mission has been to convey that our doors are open to everyone seeking to worship Our God, fostering a sense of inclusivity.
Beyond the parish boundaries, I wear the hat of a father to four beautiful children: Nikolai, Olga, Eleonora, and Agnes. It’s a role that brings profound joy and grounding to my life.
With the blessing of Archbishop William, I also serve as a Catholic chaplain at UPMC Mercy hospital, where the vulnerable moments of illness create a unique space for spiritual support. The openness of people during these times has been a testament to the importance of such guidance.
Now, on September 29th 2023, a new chapter unfolds. Archbishop William has entrusted me with the responsibility to teach Liturgical Practicum classes at the seminary – a role I embrace with gratitude and commitment.
I express my deepest gratitude for the trust placed in me by Archbishop William. I embark on this new teaching venture with the promise to give my best, ensuring that the flame of knowledge and spirituality continues to illuminate the paths of those who seek it.
Sts Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Braddock 