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Reverend Monsignor Frank Korba, son of the late Nicholaj and Julia Sheptak Korba, was born November 2, 1937, in Hammond, Indiana and had eight brothers and sisters.
Upon completion of his elementary and secondary education in the Hammond Public School System, Msgr. Korba attended Indiana University. In 1962 he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, while a seminarian at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius, which he entered in September 1958.
After his ordination to the priesthood on March 25, 1966, he received his first assignment as Assistant Pastor of St. Stephen’s Church, Allen Park, Michigan. In September 1967, he was appointed Assistant Pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Munhall, Pennsylvania. He served there until February 1969 when Bishop Stephen Kocisko appointed him the Administrator of St. Michael’s Church in Toledo, Ohio. The church was renovated during his tenure.
Three years later in February 1972 he became Pastor of St. Mary’s Church, Marblehead, Ohio, by the appointment of Bishop Emil J. Mihalik. During his pastorate at St. Mary’s, a new church was built at a relocated site; and a new rectory was purchased. He served as Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Parma, Ohio, from 1979-1987.
In addition to serving as Rector of the Cathedral and Dean of the Cleveland-West Deanery, Msgr. Korba served as Vicar General, as a member of the Diocesan Board of Consultors, as Treasurer of the Eparchy, and was a member of the Commission on Architecture and Sacred Art. He also served on the Youth Ministry Board and as Advocate and Defender of the Bond of the Eparchial Matrimonial Tribunal. He was also instrumental in organizing the Apostolate of St. Nicholas. On November 1, 1983, he received the Prelate of Honor from Pope St. John Paul II, by which he received the title “Monsignor”.
Monsignor Frank Korba served as the pastor of St. Nicholas Parish in Munster, Indiana from 1987 until his retirement in 2013. He continued to live in Indiana in his retirement under the care of his family, until he fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the age of 86.
On the occasion of receiving the title Monsignor, Msgr. Korba wrote the following:
In Appreciation and Gratitude
“I give thanks to Almighty God for all my memories of you, happy at all times in the prayer I offer for all of you. You are close to my heart. This is my prayer for you: May your love grow richer and richer yet, in the fullness of knowledge and the depth of its perception, so that you may learn to prize what is of value; may nothing cloud your conscience or hinder your progress till the day when Christ comes; may you reap through Jesus Christ, the full harvest of your justification to God’s glory and praise.”
These words are based on St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. These sentiments are mine in thanksgiving for the honor God has seen fit to bestow upon me through His Vicar on Earth, Pope John Paul II. This is a way to honor our good people.
I humbly express my gratitude first of all to Almighty God, through the prayers of His Holy Mother, Mary Ever-Virgin, “for every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from You, the Father of lights.”
I humbly thank our beloved Bishop Emil J. Mihalik for his recommendation and paternal support; I thank all my brother priests who also have been my pastors, teachers and friends.
I thank my beloved and honorable parents, brothers, and sisters and their families who have always been my support. I thank all the parishioners of the churches where I have served because they have helped me to grow in God’s wisdom and grace in His service. I thank my relatives and friends for their personal warmth, their love and their support.
A special thank you to the beloved parishioners who have helped in all the preparation for this day – they are truly treasured friends.
You are close to my heart.
Monsignor Frank Korba
The funeral services for Msgr. Korba will all be held at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 8103 Columbia Avenue, Munster, Indiana 46321-1802
Sunday December 10th--Services for the First evening
4:00pm-8:00pm Viewing
7:00pm Office of Readings for Priest funeral
Monday December 11th-- Services for the Second evening
4:00pm-8:00pm Viewing
7:00pm Parastas for Priest funeral
Tuesday December 12th
10:00am Funeral Divine Liturgy
