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Special to Horizons
Basilian Sister Martha Elizabeth Moyta (formerly Sister Jerome) died suddenly March 11, after the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.
Sister Martha was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the only daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (nee Tirpak) Moyta. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil in Uniontown Aug. 1, 1945, from Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Parish on Pittsburgh’s north side. Sister Martha made her final profession Aug. 28, 1953, in the presence of the late Bishop Daniel Ivancho.
After 26 years of teaching, she joined the organizing team for the Religious Education Office of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. In this capacity, Sister Martha contributed to the “God with Us Series” for the Eastern Christian Formation program. Working on the program and giving workshops were part of Sister Martha’s expertise. After serving the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, Sister Martha took those same talents to the Eparchy of Parma where she served for six years before moving onto pastoral ministry at St. Therese Parish in St. Petersburg, Florida. After 17 years of ministry in Florida, Sister Martha returned to the monastery in Uniontown, where she was fondly referred to as “Mother Martha.”
Even though her years of active ministry ended, Sister Martha was always ready to help in any way she could and, in this, she was a true Martha. Visitors to the sisters’ gift shop, where she helped part time, could be sure of a warm welcome from her.
Her best-loved ministry was likely the preparation and coordination of lodging on the grounds for the annual pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help each September. This work was a labor of love for her. Graciously welcoming the pilgrims was a way for her to honor Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Adding a touch of beauty to the simple accommodations was her hallmark, both at the pilgrimage sites and ithe monastery.
In addition to her many ministries, Sister Martha added her own special ministry of keeping in touch. She was always thinking of others, and the presence of many relatives and friends at her funeral witnessed to this fact.
In his homily, Archbishop William C. Skurla of Pittsburgh referred to the Gospel about the raising of Lazarus, which Sister Martha had requested be proclaimed at her funeral. As noted in the Gospel, Martha was often busy about many things. However, in the end, she left her busyness and led Jesus to her brother’s grave, where she learned firsthand the truth of Jesus’ proclamation, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”
Sister Martha was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Nicholas, John, Edward and Daniel. In addition to her sisters in community, she is survived by her devoted nieces and nephews and their families.
Father Andrew Deskevich celebrated the Parastas March 15. Fathers Jerome Botsko, John Kachuba and Robert Karl concelebrated. Fathers John G. Petro and Ronald P. Larko attended. Archbishop Skurla celebrated the funeral liturgy March 16. Fathers Jerome Botsko, John Kachuba and Robert Karl concelebrated. Father Ronald Larko served as master of ceremonies. Fathers John G. Petro, Robert Pipta and Stephen J. Wahal attended.
May God grant to his handmaiden Sister Martha Elizabeth blessed repose and eternal memory.
As published in Horizons, April 21, 2019.
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