The Very Reverend Father Peter Staviski fell asleep in the Lord, on Sunday, March 31, 2024 after 85 years on this earth.

Fr. Peter was born to Peter and Anna Staviski in 1939 in Chartiers, Pennsylvania, his parents are from Bardejov, Slovakia and Snitnitsa Ukraine in the Carpatho-Russian Mountains.
In 1954, he entered the Theological School of Saint Tikhon's Seminary in Pennsylvania where he received his degree in Theology. He graduated with a Masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Economics with an Emphasis in Psychiatry.

In 1962 he married Presbytera Charlotte and was ordained thereafter. He served his first parish in Pennsylvania at Peter & Paul's Orthodox Church while carrying an administrative role at the Pennsylvania Psychiatric State Hospital. Father and Presbytera gave birth to their beautiful daughter Tanya and son Gregory and after their move to California, their daughter Tamara.

In the late 1960s after moving to California, Fr. Peter on many occasions had the opportunity to meet with His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of San Franciso. In their conversations regarding Fr. Peter's passion to create a non-profit to help children with emotional disturbance, His Eminence accepted Father to consider serving under the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese while pursuing his passion. Father Peter was allowed the opportunity to assist many Southern California Mission Parishes and support Priests in their Parishes while also groundbreaking several Non-Profit Schools and Treatment Centers for abused and neglected children.

Those who knew him appreciated Father's zest for life and his passion to travel around the world with Presbytera while also visiting many Orthodox monasteries and sites from antiquity. Father Peter served and helped establish many ministries during his active service. He helped found and fundraise for the Mission Parish of Saint George in Palm Desert, assisted at the Mission Saint Basil in San Juan Capistrano, Saint Constantine and Helen in La Costa and had a special place in his heart for Saint Elias the Prophet in San Bernardino. Father also loved Saint Sophia Camp and Ionian Village and provided confession and counseling to the youth. He made a special place in his life and heart because he believed in loving unconditionally, giving the gift of a second chance, and that everyone is created in an image of Christ. He loved being involved with the youth to grow our Christian faith. With children of his own, He officiated at their weddings and baptized all of his grandchildren. He loved them and was extremely proud of their accomplishments working in fields to help others.

In addition to his Presbytera, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Father is survived by his sister Irene Jeannes. He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Tanya.

Trisagion Service on Friday, April 5, 2024 - 8:15 p.m. Viewing & Trisagion Service (The Service of the Salutations of the Theotokos 7-8 p.m.). Funeral Service on Saturday, April 6, 2024 - 8 a.m. Orthros, 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 10:30 a.m. Funeral Service, 11:30 a.m. Makaria (Mercy Meal). Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 31612 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 - 949-542-3445 - stbasiloc.org . Burial Service at Desert Memorial Park, 31-705 Da Vall Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234.

Memorial donations may be made to the Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Youth Ministry Fund paypal.com/... , in loving memory of the Very Reverend Father Peter Staviski.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfunerals.com .

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