Fr. Gregory Pelesh, Retired USAF Chaplain, dies

The Very Reverend Gregory H. Pelesh, 56, died unexpectedly at his home here on Friday, November 30, 2001.

A 1969 graduate of Saint Tikhon Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan, PA, Father Pelesh served as rector of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, Jeanette, PA before entering the US Air Force as a military chaplain in August 1970. Among his varied assignments during his long and distinguished chaplaincy, he served as Dean and Executive Director of Military/VA Chaplaincies until 2000. After his retirement from the chaplaincy, he served as Chancellor of the Diocese of Washington, DC until July 2001.

While funeral arrangements are still pending, it has been announced that Father Pelesh will lie in state at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Washington, DC from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, December 2. The Funeral Service will commence at 4:00 p.m. On Tuesday, December 4, viewing will be from 9:00 to 10 a.m. followed by Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. at Saint Tikhon Monastery, South Canaan, PA. Further information on services may be obtained by calling the cathedral office at 202/333-5060 or the OCA Office of Communications at 708/361-1684.

Updated information and complete biographical information will be posted on the web site of the Orthodox Church in America as it becomes available and will appear in the January/February 2002 issue of The Orthodox Church newspaper.

Father Pelesh is survived by his wife, Diana [Dirga] Pelesh and two children, Daria and Gregory.

May Father Pelesh’s memory be eternal.