Archpriest Michael M. Rachko, 90, who in retirement was attached to Saint Herman of Alaska Church here, fell asleep in the Lord at Forest City Nursing Home on Monday, November 5, 2012.
Born in Maysville, PA on April 27, 1922, the son of the late Michael and Julia [Bader] Rachko, he was a graduate of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA. He was the widower of Matushka Jean [Oleynik] Rachko, who fell asleep in the Lord on February 15, 1986.
Father Michael served parishes in Coatesville and Berwick, PA; Wilmington, DE; Herkimer, NY; and Mays Landing, NJ. He was a founding member of Christ the Saviour Church, Harrisburg, PA. In 2004, he was awarded a Synodal grammota on the 60th anniversary of his ordination.
In addition to his pastoral duties, he worked as a systems analyst for the US Department of Defense.
Father Michael is survived by a daughter, Theodora “Terri” Bruno of Rockland Twp., PA; three brothers: George Rachko of Woodbury, NJ, Rev. Dimitri Rachko of Minneapolis, MN, and Peter Rachko of Frackville, PA; a sister, Mrs. Helen VanCleave of Dallas, TX; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Matushka Jean, he was preceded in death by brothers, Archpriest John Rachko and Stephen Rachko; and a sister, Mary Harahus.
The Funeral Service will be celebrated at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery on Friday, November 9, at 6:00 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by His Eminence, Archbishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania on Saturday, November 10, at 8:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Saint Vladimir Cemetery, Trenton, NJ.
May Father Michael’s memory be eternal!