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Published by the
Orthodox Church in America,
August 4, 2005
In Memoriam:
The Very Rev. Vladimir Soroka |
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MCKEES ROCKS,
PA [OCA Communications]
The Very Rev. Vladimir Soroka, 83, pastor
emeritus of Saint Nicholas Church here, fell
asleep in the Lord at Ohio Valley Hospital on
Thursday morning, August 4, 2005, after a
lengthy illness.
Born in Scranton, PA, the son of the Very Rev.
Mitred Gregory and Anastasia [Panchison] Soroka,
Father Vladimir entered Duquesne University in
1939. His education was interrupted in 1942 when
he entered the US army and served as a
paratrooper in France and elsewhere. After being
discharged from the military in 1946, he married
the former Olga Konik and resumed studies at
Duquesne, from which he was awarded a bachelors
degree in music. While there, he was a member of
the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. He also
received a Master of Arts degree in music
education from Columbia Teachers College, New
York, NY.
In 1957 he began theological studies at Saint
Vladimir's Seminary, then located in New York
City. In 1959 he was ordained to the diaconate
by the late Metropolitan Leonty at Holy Virgin
Protection Cathedral, New York. In 1960, he
graduated from the seminary and was ordained to
the holy priesthood by the late Archbishop
Benjamin of Pittsburgh at Holy Trinity Church,
Charleroi, PA, which he served for many years.
In 1964, he was instrumental in planting a
mission in Belle Vernon, PA, which is now Holy
Resurrection Church. He also served as rector of
Holy Ghost Church, Ambridge, PA, until his
retirement from active ministry in 1987.
In 1991, Father Vladimir returned to active
ministry and was assigned rector of Saint
Nicholas Church, McKees Rocks, PA, which he
served until 2000. Through his tireless efforts,
the parish was revitalized.
Besides his pastoral duties, Father Soroka
continually offered his musical talents and
knowledge to Church and its faithful. The Divine
Liturgy and Vesper music books he published in
the 1960s rapidly became "standards" in many
parishes as the widespread use of English in
liturgical worship was introduced. He was also a
frequent lecturer at choir conferences and
seminars, youth retreats, and other gatherings.
Prior to his ordination, he served as choir
director at parishes in Perth Amboy and Jersey
City, NJ; Coaldale and Ambridge, PA; and
elsewhere.
During his pastorate, Father Soroka received
numerous awards, including the right to wear the
jeweled cross. In 2004, both he and Matushka
Olga were awarded the Order of St. Innocent,
Silver Class, by the Holy Synod of Bishops. He
also served the Church in various capacities on
the diocesan and national levels, especially in
the area of liturgical music.
In addition to his beloved wife, Olga, Father
Vladimir is survived by one daughter, Donya
Yewisiak, Moon Township, PA; three sons, Michael
Soroka, McKees Rocks, PA; Leonard Soroka,
Minneapolis, MN; and the Rev. Thomas Soroka,
Moon Township, PA; seven grandchildren, and
nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two
sisters, Zena Pecuch, of AZ; and Sylvia Elnitsky
of Vestal, NY; and a brother, the Very Rev. Igor
Soroka, rector of Saint Nicholas Church, Donora,
PA. He was preceded in death by two brothers,
the Very Rev. Leonid Soroka; and Sergei Soroka,
and a sister, Alexandra Bazil.
Visitation will be held at
Saint Nicholas Church, McKees Rocks, PA,
from 2:00 until 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6. A Memorial
will be celebrated by His Eminence, Archbishop
Kyrill of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania on
Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. Archbishop Kyrill
will preside at funeral services on Sunday
evening at 7:00 p.m. and the Divine Liturgy on
Monday, August 8, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will
take place on Tuesday, August 9 at Saint Tikhon
of Zadonsk Monastery, South Canaan, PA at 10
a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory
may be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 320
Munson Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.
May Father Vladimir's memory be eternal!
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