First Married Candidate from Local Clergy Ordained in Argentina
On the Sunday of the Holy Cross, March 23, 2025, in the city of San Vicente, Misiones Province, in the Eparchy of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God of the UGCC in Argentina, the ordination of deacons Mark Rozitsky and Alfredo Nesechuk took place.
This was reported by the press service of the Eparchy of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God in Buenos Aires.
The solemn ordination was performed by Bishop Daniel Kozelinski, head of the Eparchy of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, during which the Sacrament of Holy Orders was conferred, gathered numerous faithful and clergy. The priests of the eparchy, Basilian Fathers, and invited priests of the Latin rite concelebrated with the bishop.
The candidates were presented for ordination by the protosyncellus and rector of the Blessed Omelyan Kovch Seminary, Father Nazariy Kashchak. He emphasized that Mark Rozitsky is the second alumnus of this newly established seminary, which forms and prepares local vocations for service in the eparchy.
This event was particularly significant for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Argentina, as it marked the first ordination of a married candidate from the local clergy—Alfredo Nesechuk. This signifies a new stage in the eparchy’s development, reflecting its growth and strengthening.
In his homily, Bishop Daniel emphasized the deep spiritual significance of the Sunday of the Holy Cross, when the faithful venerate the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, drawing strength from it to bear their own crosses in life. He underscored that the newly ordained priests are called to be zealous ministers and preachers of God’s word among the faithful.
Addressing the congregation, the bishop highlighted the vital role of fostering vocations: “Vocations are among us; they need to be nurtured, formed, and accompanied.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, the newly ordained priests imparted their first blessings to those present, creating a profound moment of unity and spiritual joy for the entire community.
During the celebration, a congratulatory letter from His Beatitude Sviatoslav was read, marking the 45th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of His Eminence Bishop Daniel Kozelinski.
