Metropolitan Nicholas (Smisko)

Metropolitan Nicholas (Smisko) (1936-2011)

Early life of Richard Smisko

Richard Smisko was born on 23 February, 1936, to Andrew and Anna (Totin) Smisko. His parents were both immigrants to the USA from a village in Carpatho-Rus', which after 1992 was part of eastern Slovakia. They received from the Lord 2 other sons, George and Michael.

Richard grew up in Saint John the Baptist’s Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, a parish of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese (a diocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The patriarchate had taken this diocese under its protection in 1938, and its relationship with the diocese was regulated through the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America, who served also as the Exarch of the Patriarch of Constantinople).

In his family, and in this parish, Richard was formed as an Orthodox Christian. When he was old enough, Richard served as an altar boy in the Temple. He also sang in the choir, and he learnt the Carpatho-Russian plain chant.

Saint John the Baptist Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Perth Amboy

Higher education

After graduating from Perth Amboy High School, Richard began studies in the Youngstown State University and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

He then entered the Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to prepare for ordination. This seminary is a diocesan seminary of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese (ACROD), a self-governing diocese in North America within the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Ordinations, 1959

Upon graduation, Richard Smisko was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

On 11 January, 1959, Deacon Richard Smisko was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Orestes (Chornock). The appearance (vesture) of Metropolitan Orestes reflects the Uniat (Eastern Catholic) history of the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese.

Metropolitan Orestes (Chornock)

Pastoral service

The Priest Richard Smisko was assigned to be the pastor of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Windber, Pennsylvania.

In 1962, Father Richard embarked on a year of study at the Patriarchal Theological Academy at Halki, near Constantinople, which was still functioning at that time. During his stay in the city (Istanbul), the young priest was assigned by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou) to serve the spiritual needs of the large Slavic Orthodox community in the Galata section of Istanbul (Constantinople).

Father Richard also travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East. He visited the holy places of the Holy Land, and he lived for a time on Mount Athos.

Upon his return to the USA, Father Richard Smisko resumed his studies in the University of Youngstown, Ohio, and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He received the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Theology and Licentiate of Theology degrees.

In 1963, Metropolitan Orestes (Chornock) assigned him to be the Prefect of Discipline at Christ the Saviour Seminary, a member of the faculty of the seminary, and an assistant priest at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Johnstown.

In 1965, the Priest Richard Smisko was given the administrative duties of serving as the rector at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Homer City, Pennsylvania ; and in 1971, he was assigned to be the rector of Saint Michael’s Church in Clymer, Pennsylvania.

In 1966, he was assigned to be the rector of the Church of Saint Nicholas in New York City.

In 1976, at the 11th Diocesan Council in Chicago, Illinois, Bishop John (Martin) of Nyssa announced that the Priest Richard Smisko was to be elevated to the dignity of archimandrite. The elevation was blessed in Saint Nicholas’ Church, New York, on 23 January, 1977.

When the Monastery of the Annunciation was established in Tuxedo Park, New York, in the spring of 1979, Bishop John (Martin) appointed Archimandrite Richard Smisko to be the community’s first abbot.

Bishop John (Martin)

Monastic tonsure, 1979

On 16 September, 1979 (during the dedication of the monastery), Priest Richard Smisko was tonsured to be a monk, and he was given the name Nicholas.

Hieromonk Nicholas (Smisko) was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite.

In 1982, Archimandrite Nicholas (Smisko) was chosen by the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople to be ordained as a bishop.

Episcopal ordination, 1983

Archimandrite Nicholas (Smisko) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate on 13 March, 1983 at Saint Mary’s Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania

The presiding ordaining hierarch was Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis), Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Western Hemisphere. Co-ordaining hierarchs were Metropolitan Andrew (Kuschak) of Evkarpia, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the USA ; Bishop Philotheos (Karamitsos) of Meloa, and Bishop John (Martin) of Nyssa. Meloa is a titular episcopal see of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Episcopal service

At his episcopal ordination, Bishop Nicholas (Smisko) was assigned to be the Titular Bishop of Amisos and the Vicar-Bishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Amisos (now called Samsun) is an ancient Greek city on the north coast (south shore of the Black Sea) of present-day Turkey, but in former times, it was in the area called Pontus. After the "exchange of populations" in 1923 between Turkey and Greece, this formerly active diocese became a titular diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (as did many others).

Nyssa is another ancient Greek town in the region of Cappadocia in Asia Minor. It had bishops leading the Orthodox Christians there from at least the fourth century. This title has been given several times to the bishop of the Carpatho-Russian diocese in the USA.

Following the repose of Bishop John (Martin) in September of 1984, Bishop Nicholas was chosen to be the third ruling hierarch of the Carpatho-Russian American Diocese at a special Clergy Council meeting in Johnstown on 25 November, 1984. This choice was confirmed in the election by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Transfer to the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, 1985

On 19 April, 1985, Bishop Nicholas (Smisko), retaining the title "Amisos", was enthroned to be Metropolitan (diocesan bishop) of the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Johnstown, Pennsylvania by Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis).

Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

In 1985, Archbishop Iakovos (accompanied by Metropolitan Nicholas) represented the Patriarch and the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the Americas (SCOBA), and he visited all 4 dioceses of the Orthodox Church in Czechoslovakia, and he saw first-hand the persecution it was suffering.

The new metropolitan gave immediate attention to liturgical matters. He authorised the Liturgical Commission to translate additional services into English. Resulting from their work was the new "Diocesan Pew Book", a "Holy Week and Resurrection Matins" service book, a "Christmas and Theophany Compline" book, as well as an "Altar Liturgical Text" for the clergy.

Pilgrimages

Metropolitan Nicholas (Smisko) led several pilgrimages overseas. In 1986, he travelled with some 50 pilgrims to Constantinople, where he conferred with the Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios I (Papadopoulos). They also visited the Holy Land. In 1987, he led 2 pilgrimages to venerate the Weeping Icon of Our Lady of Chicago in Cicero, Illinois. In 1988, he twice journeyed to Russia and Czechoslovakia for the Millennium Celebration of the Baptism of Rus'.

50th anniversary of the diocese, 1988

In 1988, Metropolitan Nicholas presided at the festivities celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the diocese. Two years later, a similar celebration marked the 50th Anniversary of Christ the Saviour Seminary. Also in 1988, he delivered the commencement address at the Hellenic College and the Holy Cross School of Theology, at which time he was awarded an honourary Doctor of Divinity degree.

In July, 1990, along with Metropolitan Maximos (Aghiorgoussis) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he had the honour of hosting the Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios I (Papadopoulos) in Johnstown, with impressive services at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, and a visit by the “ranking prelate of World Orthodoxy” to the Carpatho-Russian cathedral, seminary and administrative offices.

On 2 October, 1991, Metropolitan Nicholas (Smisko) represented the diocese at the funeral services of Patriarch Demetrios I (Papadopoulos). Also in 1991, Metropolitan Nicholas again represented the diocese at the enthronement of Patriarch Bartholomew I (Arhontonis) as the new Ecumenical Patriarch.

In 1992, Metropolitan Nicholas initiated “Harvest 2000”, a diocesan plan for missions, renewal and evangelisation. This effort resulted in parish growth and renewal. Several new parishes were received into the diocese, and missions were established in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. A parish was received from Archbishop Vsevolod (Maidanski) and the Ukrainian Orthodox Diocese of the USA (Christ the Saviour, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and a mission was established (Saint John the Compassionate, Toronto) in Ontario, Canada. He also participated in a special Synod of Orthodox Bishops, convened in Constantinople by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. While in Europe, Metropolitan Nicholas also travelled to Ægina, Greece, where he was given relics of Saint Nektarios, as well as oils from his tomb, which he shared with all the diocesan parishes.

Camp Nazareth

Metropolitan Nicholas spearheaded the continued development of Camp Nazareth : the construction of a staff lodge and additional cabins for campers. He also had the idea to build an “Old Country Church” at the camp, which indeed was consecrated in August of 2003. The patrons of the Temple are the Evangelisers of the Slavs, Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Under his leadership, a new chancery for the diocese was constructed, which adjoins the present episcopal residence. Ground was broken for the edifice in June, 1997, by Archbishop Spyridon (Papageorge), and the cornerstone was dedicated by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I (Archontonis), during his archpastoral visit to the diocese on 16 November, 1997.

In September, 2005, a new diocesan-wide youth ministry was established by Metropolitan Nicholas to meet the spiritual needs of the diocesan youth more effectively. Known as the "Diocesan Apostolate for Youth", this apostolic ministry has laboured for the strengthening and evangelisation of the youth of the diocese, and the establishment of a Christian witness for any youth seeking a relationship with Christ.

Metropolitan Nicholas participated in 3 annual Environmental Conferences in Constantinople, sponsored by Patriarch Bartholomew. In November, 1997, Metropolitan Nicholas delivered a paper on “Orthodoxy and the Environment” in Santa Barbara, California, at an ecological seminar presided over by Patriarch Bartholomew I.

Metropolitan Nicholas was a participant in the biennial Synod of Bishops Conference at the Ecumenical Patriarchate from the time of its inception, and he was the patriarchal representative to the Synod of American Roman Catholic Bishops in Rome in December of 1997.

Metropolitan Nicholas was a member of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), and he served as its treasurer for many years. He was the episcopal moderator of the SCOBA’s Planning and Study Commission. He was one of the members who represented the SCOBA in the Orthodox/Catholic Bishops’ Dialogue. For many years, he was a member of the Halki Alumni Association.

2008 : 25 years as a bishop, 50 years as a priest

In March, 2008, Metropolitan Nicholas observed the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Episcopate, and in January of 2009 the Golden Jubilee of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

In August, 2008, Metropolitan Nicholas was invited by Patriarch Bartholomew I to participate in the 1020th Anniversary of the Orthodox Christianisation of Kyiv, which commemorated the establishment of the Metropolitanate of Kyiv by a decree given by Patriarch Jeremiah II (1530-1595).

In May, 2010, Metropolitan Nicholas participated in the first Episcopal Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Hierarchs in North and Central America in New York City.

In January, 2011, Metropolitan Nicholas (Smisko) was named to be the chairman of the Committee for Theological Education of the Episcopal Assembly.

John Righetti, president of the Saint John the Baptist, Ambridge, Pennsylvania, congregation and president of the national Carpatho-Russian Society said about him :

 He was very much a people’s bishop.  He wasn’t someone who wanted to sit in an office shuffling 
 papers, or in the company of other priests.  He was among the people all the time.

He further commented that the bishop enjoyed visiting Camp Nazareth, the diocese campground, when children attended summer camp.

 Even the children in the congregation got to know him personally.  When Metropolitan Nicholas 
 visited, he performed as cantor during services, and then continued singing after services.  He 
 loved our liturgical music, and he loved our folk music.

Over several previous years, Metropolitan Nicholas had suffered from weakening health because of the development of cancer, and the effects of treatment. Nevertheless, he remained as active as possible.

Repose, 2011

On Sunday, 13 March, 2011, Metropolitan Nicholas (Smisko) fell asleep in the Lord. This day was the 28th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Episcopate.

On Friday, 18 March, 2011, Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis), the Exarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople for the USA led the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Hierarch. The funeral services took place at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Archbishop Demetrios was assisted by Archbishop Melchisedek (Pleska) of the OCA Diocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania ; Bishop Thomas (Joseph) of the Antiochian Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic ; Bishop Mitrofan (Kodić) of the Serbian Diocese of Eastern America, and by many other clergy. About 40 children from toddlers to teens carried candles at various moments during the service. At the conclusion of the service, when various persons spoke, Priest Mark Arey, ecumenical officer of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and a friend of Metropolitan Nicholas, read a letter from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

Bishop John Kudrick of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ohio ; Bishop Joseph Adamec of the Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese and Bishop Gregory Pile of the Allegheny Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America were also present during the funeral. Many Eastern Catholic priests and nuns, including all students and faculty of Saints Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary, North Side, Pittsburgh, also were present.

After the funeral services were completed, the body of Metropolitan Nicholas (Smisko) was transported to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where his body was taken to Saint John the Baptist Church on Sunday, 20 March, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. There, panikhidas (memorial services) were served ; and on Monday, 21 March, 2011, the interment took place in the cemetery of Saint John the Baptist Church in Perth Amboy.

— Bishop of Amisos 1983-1985.

— Vicar-Bishop of the Ukrainian Orthodox Diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate 1983-1985.

— Vicar-Bishop of the Ecumenical Throne 1983-2011.

— Metropolitan of Amisos 1985-2011.

— Metropolitan of the American Carpatho-Rusyn Orthodox Diocese 1985-2011. Preceded by : Bishop John (Martin). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Gregory (Tatsis).

Reflections

Over his many years of service to Christ and His Holy Church, Metropolitan Nicholas proved to be a worthy labourer in the Vineyard of the Lord. Metropolitan Nicholas was noted for his love for the flock entrusted to his care, for the liturgical services of the Church, and for his devotion to the Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He was well-respected in Orthodox and ecumenical circles as being a promoter of peace and mutual understanding amongst all Christ-loving people. True to his patron, Saint Nicholas the Wonder-worker, he was perhaps best known and respected for his pastoral sensitivity, generosity of spirit and compassion for the sick and suffering, and for the less fortunate.

Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis) said about him :

 His was a life beautifully blessed by God.  He would bring the Gospel to any place, to any person. 
 He was an evangelist.  [...] He held this diocese together on all levels.

It was written that Metropolitan Nicholas was known for quiet acts of charity, and also for his efforts towards the possible reconciliation of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian Churches. He was thus known for co-sponsoring ecumenical services with Bishop Joseph Adamec, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Thus, Archbishop Demetrios also said, “I am convinced he is interceding for all Christians, without discrimination”.

Awards

• Saints Cyril and Methodius Award, given by the Orthodox Church of Czechoslovakia

• Saint Sava Award from Patriarch Pavel of the Serbian Orthodox Church

• Honourary Doctor of Divinity degree from Holy Cross School of Theology (1988)