Metropolitan Borys Introduces a New Priest to Shamokin Parish
On January 19, 2025, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. During the service, he introduced Father Volodymyr Prokipchuk as the new parochial vicar for both Transfiguration Parish and Patronage of the Mother of God Parish in Marion Heights. Father Volodymyr will serve under the guidance of Father Mark Fesniak, the dean of the South Anthracite Deanery, who will continue overseeing the administration of both parishes.
In his homily, Metropolitan Borys reflected on the legacy of Father Ivan Voliansky, the first Ukrainian Catholic priest to arrive in the United States 140 years ago. Father Voliansky established the Shamokin parish and laid the foundation for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States.
“140 years ago, there was no Ukrainian Catholic priest on this continent,” the Metropolitan stated. He recounted Father Voliansky’s sacrifices, including his forced departure from the U. S. due to prejudice against married priests, his mission to Brazil during which his wife tragically passed away, and his return to Ukraine, where he continued to serve for another 26 years.
“Imagine what it was like for Father Voliansky to leave his home, his language, and his culture to serve others,” Metropolitan Borys said. “He detached himself from everything and endured immense hardships to serve God and his people.”
The Metropolitan emphasized the importance of detachment from material and secondary things to focus on what truly matters: faith, love for God and neighbor, and fulfilling our responsibilities. He encouraged the congregation to follow Father Voliansky’s example of dedication and faithfulness. He also thanked the previous parochial vicar fr Paul Spotts and his family for their role in not only supporting the parish but entire deanery. “All of us love father Paul. He and his family is a bedrock for the deanery. He will continue to help and the parish and throughout the deanery” said that Archbishop adding that generosity, kindness, and joy of Fr Spotts is what the world needs today.
Father Volodymyr Prokipchuk is the 17th new priest ordained or assigned to the Archeparchy in the past four years, a testament to the Church’s efforts to address the growing need for clergy amidst challenges such as clergy retirements and funerals.
Metropolitan Borys expressed gratitude to the Shamokin community for their faithfulness and hospitality, calling it a tradition that dates back 140 years. “Now, our Church in the U. S. has more than 200 parishes, but it all started here in Coal Country,” he said.
Father Volodymyr brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Born in Zhnibrody, Ternopil region, in 1978, he pursued theological studies at the Ivano-Frankivsk Theological and Catechetical Institute and later earned a licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Oriental Institute. Ordained in 2005, he served as the administrator of St. Nicholas Parish in Stopchativ and as judicial vicar of the Kolomyia Eparchy.
Father Volodymyr, his wife Mariya, and their three sons—Pavlo, Markiyan, and Volodymyr—will now adjust to life in the United States with the support of the Shamokin parish community. The Metropolitan highlighted the community’s role in helping the family settle into their new surroundings, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported.
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