Pennsylvania Priest Marks 20 Years Since Ordination

BATH, PA — Archpriest Michael Demko, rector of Holy Annunciation Church in Berwick, Pennsylvania, has marked the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood. The Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania extended congratulations on behalf of Abp. Mark, its clergy, monastics, and faithful, offering prayers for Fr. Michael, his wife, Matushka Catherine, and their family.

Fr. Demko was ordained on October 22, 2006, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, by then-Bp. Tikhon, now Metr. Tikhon. The ordination coincided with the commemoration of St. Averkios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Hieropolis, and the Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus, also known as the Seven Sleepers.

Following his ordination, Fr. Demko was appointed acting rector of St. Basil Church in Simpson, Pennsylvania. He began serving Holy Annunciation Church as acting rector in August 2008 and became its rector in October 2009, a position he continues to hold.

Beyond his parish responsibilities, Fr. Demko serves as the field education and Clinical Pastoral Education program coordinator at St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary. He holds a Master of Divinity from the seminary and a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University. He is also pursuing a Ph.D. through the Antiochian House of Studies.

The diocese concluded its congratulatory message by praying that God would grant Fr. Demko and his family many years, affirming his service with the traditional acclamation, “Axios!”

Previously, the UOJ Reported that three OCA seminaries welcomed new seminarians for 2026–2027.