With faith in Christ and hope in the resurrection, we share news of the repose of Archpriest John Pawelchak, an alumnus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Father John fell asleep in the Lord on January 17, 2026.
The Very Rev. John Pawelchak was born on February 17, 1954, in Terryville, CT, where he grew up as a member of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Orthodox Church. He began studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 1975 and graduated from the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program in 1978. He was ordained to the priesthood in April 1979.
Father John received his first parish assignment at Annunciation Albanian Orthodox Church in Natick, MA. Over the course of many decades of priestly service, he served parishes in Wisconsin, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and Illinois, dedicating his life to the spiritual care of the communities entrusted to him. He also worked as a professional counselor to those in need.
Father John was predeceased by his parents, sister, and nephew. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 416 Ewing Ave, Madison, IL, from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, January 23; the funeral service will begin at 6 p.m. Divine Liturgy is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at Nativity of the Virgin Mary, with Archbishop Daniel (Brum) as celebrant. Burial will follow at Nativity of the Virgin Orthodox Cemetery in Glen Carbon.
May the memory of Archpriest John be eternal!
Much of the information in this article was adapted from the Irwin Chapel website.
Photo: Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
