Seminarian Community Prays for Repose of Metropolitan Nicholas
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Those who remember the first time he attended Vespers at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, remember well that even the chapel bells gave more than their usual glory to God in celebration of the occasion. Due to some electrical malfunction or perhaps the hand of God, when they began to peal, no one could stop them for nearly an hour. This is one story among many now heard in the Seminary halls as the community remembers and mourns the passing of Metropolitan Nicholas.
Fr. Eugene and Fr. John G. Petro, rector of the Seminary, offered some remembrances. Fr. John reminded the community that Metropolitan Nicholas had given this censor to the Seminary on the occasion of the visit of the seminarians from Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown. Metropolitan Nicholas remarked at the time that “this censor should be a sign of our common prayer rising to God.” On this day, at his passing, a common prayer rises to God for him. As the Panachida ended, the chapel bells tolled again for Metropolitan Nicholas – this time more slowly. In blessed repose, grant, O Lord, eternal rest and peaceful repose to your departed servant, Metropolitan Nicholas, and remember him forever. John Russell
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The
relationship between Metropolitan Nicholas and the
Byzantine Catholic Seminary has deep roots. He worked
patiently to heal division between Christians, and he
worked with particular sensitivity to heal division
between Christians of common Carpatho-Russian heritage
and tradition. Part of that work was his ongoing
personal friendship with the Seminary and its Staff. 
Keenly
feeling the loss of this special friend, the seminary
faculty, staff, seminarians and students, together with
the Consultors of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh,
gathered after lunch on Monday, March 14, to offer their
prayers to God for the departed Metropolitan Nicholas
and to remember him fondly. Using a censor that he had
given the Seminary, Very Rev. Eugene P. Yackanich,
Administrator of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, led the
heartfelt Panachida Service for the repose, forgiveness,
and eternal life of Metropolitan Nicholas. 