Reverend Monsignor Raymond A. Balta

Reverend Monsignor Raymond Andrew Balta, recently retired priest of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, unexpectedly fell asleep in the Lord on December 1, 2024.  The child of the late Andrew and Elizabeth (Yuhasz) Balta, he was born in Homestead, Pennsylvania on November 25, 1943.

Monsignor Raymond grew up. a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Duquesne, Pa. His early education was received at St. Joseph Elementary School in Duquesne, and he was graduated from St. Fidelis Preparatory High School in Herman, Pa.  He began his studies and formation for the priesthood at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1961. After graduation from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, he attended Catholic University in Washington D.C.  

He was ordained to the priesthood on June 22, 1969 by Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen J. Kocisko.  Monsignor Raymond was then sent to the Pontifical Institute for Oriental Studies in Rome, Italy, where upon completion of the courses, he was awarded the Licentiate degree Magna cum Laude in July of 1972.  He was honored by Holy Father John Paul II with his Investiture as Papal Prelate on February 3, 1985.  

His pastoral assignments included the Byzantine Catholic parishes either as pastor, administrator or temporary administrator, first in Warren, Ohio; and then in the following in Pennsylvania: Uniontown, Munhall, Pittsburgh, Conemaugh, Nanty-Glo, Clymer, North Huntingdon, Herminie, Lyndora, Homer City, and Windber.  Monsignor Raymond was appointed to St. Mary Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on February 2, 1996, where he served until his retirement from active priestly ministry earlier this year. 

Monsignor Raymond served the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh as Rector of the Seminary, Chancellor, and member of the Liturgical Commission, Marriage Tribunal, and as Protopresbyter of the Johnstown Protopresbyterate.

He is survived by several cousins and many friends.

All services are at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 411 Power Street, Johnstown, Pa. 15906, with viewing beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December, 6.  The Parastas Service will be celebrated that evening at 7:00 p.m.  The funeral Divine Liturgy will be at 10: 00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7.  Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Johnstown.

Funeral Services entrusted to Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel. Send condolences and other info found at www.ducafuneralhome.com

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