Eternal Memory: + Very Rev. Protopresbyter Theodore Mozes

Saturday, March 14, 2026

JOHNSTOWN, PA - [Diocesan Chancery] -- With profound sadness the Diocesan Chancery announces that + Very Rev. Protopresbyter Theodore Mozes, reposed in the Lord on March 9, 2026 at the age of 87. 

He was born on April 8, 1938, in Pennsylvania to his late parents Zolton and Ann Mozes. Father Theodore was raised in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Clairton High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years of active duty and three years in the reserves. During his military service he received two letters of commendation in recognition of his dedication and exemplary service.

Following his honorable discharge from the United States Army, Father Theodore moved to Washington, D.C., where he was employed by Emerson Research Laboratories. While living in Washington, he became a devoted member of Holy Resurrection Mission Church, where he served as the church’s financial secretary. It was during this time that he began to feel a calling to the Holy Priesthood.

In September of 1961, he entered Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to pursue his theological studies in preparation for the priesthood. While studying at the seminary he met his future wife, Marjorie Hammar. The two were married on August 30, 1964, at St. Michael’s Church in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

Shortly thereafter, on September 21, 1964, Father Theodore was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by the late Metropolitan Orestes Chornock at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Following his ordination, Father Mozes was appointed administrator of St. John the Baptist Church in Wilpen, Pennsylvania, and St. Stephen’s Church in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, while continuing his theological studies at Christ the Saviour Seminary. He became the first resident priest in Wilpen in over 45 years.

In July of 1966, Father received his Bachelor of Theology degree from Christ the Savior Seminary and was appointed Spiritual Director of the Seminary. In June of 1969 he was assigned to the Chicago area with the task of surveying and consolidating three small parishes into one church. When that plan did not materialize, Father Mozes was appointed pastor of the mission parish in Levittown, Pennsylvania on October 15, 1969.

Through tireless work, dedication, and faith, he initiated fundraising efforts that transformed the parish. New furnishings were purchased, church materials were completed, and the church was beautified with an altar and iconostasis. Under his leadership the parish mortgage was liquidated in March of 1972, and land was acquired for the parish center, which opened its doors in 1975.

In 1970, Father Mozes was appointed Secretary to the Diocesan Council. He also served the Church as Associate Editor of the Church Messenger, where he implemented computerized mailing and maintenance programs. The publication was operated out of the parish center in Levittown.

Throughout his ministry he held numerous leadership positions within the diocese. In 1976 he became Recording Secretary of the Mid-Atlantic Deanery. From 1976 to 1984 he served as a trustee of the Fraternal Insurance Organization and as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Deanery Educational Commission. He also served on the Diocesan Building Commission.

In 1976 he initiated the “Buy a Nail” project to benefit Camp Nazareth, raising $17,000 for the Camp. In 1979 he was appointed Liaison Director for Diocesan Church Insurance.

At the 1979 Sobor, Fr. Mozes was elevated to the rank of Very Reverend by Bishop John R Martin. Also the Levittown parish pledged $250,000 toward the purchase of a retirement facility for the diocese. Through Father Mozes’ leadership and efforts, a 66-unit apartment complex was acquired on July 11, 1983. The late Bishop John R. Martin appointed him administrator of the facility, which was named Bethany, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In addition to serving as administrator of the retirement facility, Father Mozes was a member of the Board of Trustees and the Consistory from 1982 to 1985. In 1985 he organized the first diocesan telethon for Camp Nazareth in memory of the late Bishop John R. Martin, raising $38,000 to help eliminate the Camp’s mortgage.

During his many decades of service in Levittown, Father Mozes was deeply involved in the local community. He organized Thanksgiving food drives for families in need and Christmas projects with local schools to fulfill the wishes of children during the holiday season. In 2024 Fr. Mozes was elevated to the rank of Very Reverend Protopresbyter by His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory.

Outside of his priestly ministry, Father Mozes was also an avid softball player for many years. He participated in numerous daytime and nighttime leagues, but especially loved playing in the Bucks County 65-and-Over Softball League. For many years he proudly played for the team Puss N Boots, a team and community he deeply cherished.

For 62 years of priestly service, Father Mozes faithfully served the Church alongside his beloved wife, Pani Marjorie. Together they dedicated their lives to the parish and the faithful entrusted to their care. Despite many health struggles in later years, Father continued to serve his parishioners by the grace of God, always striving to meet their spiritual needs.

Father Mozes was preceded in death by his sisters, Joyce and Olga.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Pani Marjorie Mozes, his brother Bobby Mozes; his children Sarah, John, and Emily (Anthony); his grandchildren Jeremy, Riley, JT, Alex, Julianna, Abby, Alexandria, Anthony and many faithful parishioners and friends whose lives were touched by his ministry.

The Church and community mourn the loss of a devoted priest, loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend whose life was fully dedicated to serving God and His people.

Fr. Theodore’s viewings and services will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 1314 Randall Avenue, Levittown. His viewings will begin at the Church on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 1-3pm and 5-7pm. A Funeral Service for Priest will follow at 7pm. An additional viewing will be held on Saturday morning, March 21, 2026 from 8-9am. A Funeral Liturgy will begin at 9am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne, PA.

The faithful are kindly asked to remember in prayer the newly departed Fr. Theodore, as well as his wife Pani Marjori, their children John, Sarah and Emily, and all their family.

"In Blessed Repose, grant eternal rest, O Lord, to your newly-departed Priest + Father Theodore and render eternal his memory, vicnaja jemu pamjat!"