On July 2, 2020, Archpriest Paul Shafran, Pastor Emeritus (retired), Trenton, NJ, celebrated his 98th birthday at a small outdoor gathering with Matushka Mary and other family members, including his two great-grandchildren. Archpriest Daniel Skvir made a surprise guest appearance, along with Matushka Tamara, and intoned Mnogaya L'yeta. On Sunday, July 5th, Fr. Volodymyr Chaikivskyi, Rector, St. Vladimir's Church in Trenton, continued the celebration and intoned Many Years for Fr. Paul at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

Father Paul, who briefly served parishes in the Byesville, Ohio area during his days as a young pastor, served the Trenton parish for more than six decades until his retirement.  Alongside his enduring ministry at St. Vladimir’s Church, Father Paul is revered for his commitment to theological education, both as an instructor in Liturgics at St. Vladimir’s Seminary beginning in the early 1950s, and as a long-time member of its Board of Trustees, who have honored him with the title of Trustee Emeritus – he is their longest serving Board member.  “The Very Reverend Paul and Matushka Mary Shafran Endowment” for theological education was created several years ago, to support all aspects of student life at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. 

Together with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, the clergy and faithful of the Diocese extend our warm congratulations to Father Paul: 

“Grant, O Lord, a prosperous and peaceful life, good health, salvation, visitation, and good hastening in all things unto Thy servant, the Very Reverend Archpriest Paul, celebrating his 98^th birthday, and protect and preserve him for many blessed years! Mnogaya Lyeta!”