BATH, PA [DOEPA COMMUNICATIONS]
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania remembers the 5th anniversary of the repose of the Mitred Archpriest Daniel Ressetar, honoring his faithful priestly service in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Born in Edwardsville, PA, to Mitred Archpriest Dimitri J. and Matushka Margaret (Tomcho) Ressetar, Father Dan graduated from Lincoln High School, St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary (1948), and Lafayette College (1951), where he won the Greek language prize.
In 1958, he married Theodora V. Prislopsky at Saint Michael’s Church in Cleveland, OH. After ordination, he served at Holy Trinity Church in McAdoo, PA, and as an Air Force chaplain in San Antonio, TX, retiring as Lt. Col. In 1965, he became Rector of Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, PA, where he served faithfully for over 55 years until his retirement at age 80 as pastor emeritus. He received numerous honors, including the St. Innocent Award, the Chaplain’s Cross from His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, and the mitre, the highest honor for a married priest.
Father Dan’s accomplishments include serving as Pan-Orthodox Choir conductor, the oldest active Civil Air Patrol chaplain in the U.S., Veteran’s Hospital chaplain, spiritual advisor for FOCA, Vietnam Vet’s chaplain, Dauphin County Prison chaplain, and participating in the annual March for Life and Veteran’s Day parade. He was also a music lover, conducting choirs, playing piano, and attending symphony concerts. In 1994, he took part in the canonization of his uncle, Saint Maxim Sandovich, in Poland.
The Mitred Archpriest Daniel Dimitri Ressetar reposed in the Lord on January 20, 2021 at UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic Hospital, Lower Paxton Twp. He would have turned 94 on March 27th.
All who knew him remember his love for Christ and unforgettable personality.
On the 5th anniversary of his repose, we pray that his memory be eternal! Ð’ÐµÑ‡Ð½Ð°Ñ Ð¿Ð°Ð¼ÑÑ‚ÑŒ!
Issued by the Diocesan Media Office
