BATH, PA [DOEPA COMMUNICATIONS]

On December 14, 2024, the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania remembers the 44th anniversary of the repose of His Eminence Archbishop Kiprian, honoring his legacy as the former Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Archbishop Kiprian was born Boris Pavlovich Borisevich in Kholm, Russia (today Poland) on August 15, 1903. After completing his theological studies in Poland, he became deeply involved in the spiritual and educational life of the Orthodox Church. After his marriage in 1927 and ordination to the Holy Priesthood the following year, he was assigned to a parish in the town of Lopusho. He served in a variety of positions, including as a missionary, educator, and priest, before fleeing war-torn Europe.

He and his wife arrived in the United States in July 1949, and he began serving parishes of the "Metropolia" (Orthodox Church in America). In 1950, he was assigned to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Kansas City, MO. Three years later, he was assigned to Saint Andrew's Orthodox Church in Baltimore, MD, which he served until his reassignment to Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Stamford, CT, in 1959.

After the repose of his wife in 1961, he took monastic vows with the name Kiprian and was consecrated to the episcopacy. He was assigned Bishop of Washington and Vicar to the Metropolitan, with duties as the rector of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA. As seminary rector, His Eminence helped form a generation of clergy who continue to serve the Orthodox Church in America. In 1964, he was elected Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. In 1970, he was elevated to the dignity of Archbishop and served as a member of the Lesser Synod of Bishops and Chairman of the Department of External Affairs.

His Eminence Archbishop Kiprian fell asleep in the Lord on December 14, 1980. He is interred at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Cemetery in South Canaan, PA. His memory continues to leave a profound impact on the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, with his influence still present in the lives of clergy and faithful who were under his omophorion.

On the 44th anniversary of his repose, we pray that his memory be eternal! Вечная память!