Diocesan Photo Gallery

Photo Galleries of the Various Institutions and Ministries of the Diocese

Presanctified Liturgy and De-Consecration of St. John the Baptist, North Side Pittsburgh

On March 17, 2023, Metropolitan Gregory visited St. John the Baptist, North Side, Pittsburgh, PA for the final liturgy, that of the Presanctified Gifts, and to de-consecrate the altar and remove the relics. Concelebrants were Fr. David Urban (pastor), Fr. John Brancho (pastor emeritus), and Fr. R. Michael Zak (former pastor).

Click Here to View Video of Metropolitan Gregory's Homily and De-consecration prayers.

youtu.be/t7n2VOZ9GVU
Metropolitan Gregory blesses the serving clergy to begin the Presanctified Liturgy
Pastor Fr. David Urban blesses with the candle and censor during Presanctified Liturgy
Metropolitan Gregory speaks to the assembled faithful about the importance of the deconsecration of the church
Metropolitan Gregory says the prayers of deconsecration
The altar is stripped of all items - Fr. John Brancho, Pastor Emeritus, takes the Gospel book
The altar is stripped of all items - Fr. R. Michael Zak, former pastor, takes the antimens
The altar is stripped of all items - last to go is the tabernacle
The altar cloths are stripped
The altar cloths are stripped
Metropolitan Gregory Removes relics from the altar
Metropolitan Gregory Removes relics from the altar
Metropolitan Gregory Removes relics from the altar
Group Photo of attendees of Presanctified Liturgy and deconsecration of church
St John the Baptist Orthodox Church's Previous Home, 2688 California Ave, Northside Pittsburgh
St John the Baptist Orthodox Church's New Home, 2201 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park, PA 15101. First Liturgy in this new location will be on Sunday March 19, 2023