Mitred Archpriest Basil Micek
OBITUARY
On March 20, 2026, Mitred Archpriest Basil Micek – beloved cleric of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and longtime rector of Saints Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Scranton – reposed in the Lord. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and spiritual shepherd, Father Basil touched countless lives with his faith, humility, and quiet strength.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Matushka Pamela Ann (Paison) Micek, who fell asleep in the Lord on October 8, 2019. Together, they shared 46 years of deep love, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another – a bond that remained an inspiration to all who knew them.
Father Basil was born on October 2, 1948, in Passaic, New Jersey, into a family of devout Catholics. His spiritual journey was one of sincere seeking and profound faith. As he once reflected, his early years led him to enter the Congregation of Marian Fathers in preparation for the priesthood. Yet, through prayer and discernment, he realized that his calling would take a different path.
That path led him to Orthodoxy. While attending services at Three Saints Church in Garfield, New Jersey, and under the guidance of Father Igor Burdikoff, his faith deepened. After months of prayer and reflection, he embraced the Orthodox Faith on April 14, 1971. The very next day, on Great Thursday, he received Holy Communion for the first time – an experience that would shape the rest of his life. On March 3, 1973, he married the love of his life, Pamela, beginning a partnership rooted in faith and love.
His life in the Church was marked by faithful and steadfast service. He was ordained a Reader and Subdeacon on October 7, 1973, and to the diaconate in December 1974. On July 30, 1978, he was ordained to the holy priesthood at St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City.
From 1978 to 1985, Father Basil served as rector of Three Saints Church in Garfield, NJ. In 1985, he was called to Scranton, where he would spend the next four decades as rector of Saints Peter & Paul Church. There, he became not only a priest, but a constant presence in the lives of his parishioners – guiding, comforting, and celebrating with them through every stage of life.
Over the years, he was honored by the Church for his service, being elevated to the rank of Archpriest, granted the right to wear the jeweled cross, and later the mitre. Most recently, on March 6, 2026, he was granted the right to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with the Royal Doors open – a reflection of a lifetime of faithful devotion.
Beyond the altar, Father Basil was a man of warmth and humor. He was an avid New York Yankees fan, rarely missing a game, and he loved to share a good joke often delivering his well-known one-liners with perfect timing. His laughter, kindness, and gentle presence will be deeply missed.
Above all, he was a devoted family man. He is survived by his three sons: Joseph and his wife, Kelly, of Old Forge; Nicholas and his wife, Alyse, of Scranton; and Timothy and his wife, Kathy, of Archbald; along with his cherished granddaughters, Mylei and Natalei Micek, who brought him immense pride and joy.
Family and friends may call on Friday, March 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Saints Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church, Washburn and Academy Streets, West Scranton. A Funeral Service for a Priest will begin at 6:00 PM.
Divine Liturgy will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM, followed by a Panikhida. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.
In keeping with the Lenten season, memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Arrangements by the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St. Taylor. Please visit the funeral home website to share memories.
Mitred Archpriest Basil Micek
March 20, 2026