New Dean Introduced During Gathering of the New Jersey Deanery Clergy

On June 16, 2026, clergy of the New Jersey Deanery gathered at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where Very Reverend Ivan Turyk was formally welcomed as the new Protopresbyter (Dean) of the New Jersey Deanery.

By decree of Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak of Philadelphia, Father Ivan Turyk was appointed Protopresbyter of the New Jersey Deanery effective June 1, 2026. The deanery comprises fifteen parishes served by twelve priests and two deacons.

The gathering began with a Moleben to Christ, the Lover of Mankind, during which priests and religious sisters prayed for God's blessing upon all who serve throughout the deanery. Father Ivan also expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Protopresbyter, Very Reverend Taras Lonchyna, pastor of Saint Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Trenton, for his many years of faithful and dedicated service to the clergy and parishes of the deanery.

As a sign of prayerful support for his new ministry, Father Ivan received an icon of the Holy Cross, a reminder that authentic leadership in the Church is rooted in humble service and the Cross of Christ. In recognition of his years of devoted leadership, Father Taras Lonchyna was presented with an icon of Saint Michael the Archangel. Father Ivan also presented a bouquet of roses to Pani Lyalya, Father Taras's wife, as a gesture of gratitude for her support, sacrifices, and dedication throughout her husband's years of priestly ministry.