Archpriest Rodion Pfeiffer fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at approximately 6:00 PM in Phoenix, AZ. He was born on December 7, 1945, in Cleveland, OH, to the late Ann Ulicki Pfeiffer. He was baptized at Saint Theodosius in Cleveland by Father Jason Kappanadze.
He graduated from Parma High School in 1964. After working for a few years, he attended Christ the Savior Seminary and in 1974 graduated from Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He married Mary Ann Hulypa of Buffalo, NY, on July 28, 1973. He was ordained to the Holy Deaconate on Pentecost (June 2, 1974) at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, IL, and ordained to the Holy Priesthood on June 16, 1974, at Holy Trinity in Parma, OH, by Archbishop John of Chicago.
After graduation, he faithfully served the following parishes: Holy Assumption in Lublin, WI; Saints Peter and Paul in Buffalo, NY; Saints Cyril and Methodius in Jeannette, PA; Saint Michael’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA; Saint John the Baptist in Philipsburg, PA; Saint Nicholas in DuBois, PA; Saints Peter and Paul in Urey, PA; Saints Peter and Paul in Phoenix, AA; and Saint Melania the Younger Orthodox Outreach Center in Phoenix, AA. He retired in 2003 from Saint Melania, an outreach to the local homeless population, due to health reasons.
Father Rodion is survived by his wife Matushka Mary Ann, son Subdeacon Rodion and Heather Elizabeth Pfeiffer, and daughter Juliane Pfeiffer.
Funeral Services at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 1614 E. Monte Vista Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85006 are announced as follows:
- Tuesday, January 12
- 3:00-6:00 PM Public viewing
- 6:00 PM The Burial Service of a Priest
- Wednesday, January 13
- 9:00 AM The Divine Liturgy and Panikhida
May Father Rodion’s memory be eternal!