A Festive Divine Liturgy and brunch is being planned for the Very Rev. Paul Herbert on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. at his home parish of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, Lansford.

He will be honored on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his marriage, ordination and First Liturgy. Rev. Herbert will celebrate the Liturgy with the parish choir leading the responses under the direction of Professor Raymond J. Mastroberte.The Lansford native, son of the late John and Helen Goyda Herbert, graduated from Lansford High School in 1951 and served in the United States Air Force as a crew member on a B-36 bomber. Upon discharge, he began studies for the priesthood at Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, Pa. Prior to ordination, Herbert married Eleanor Jean Blaschak of Johnstown and were joined in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on June 12, 1960. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on July 3, 1960 by the late Metropolitan Orestes P. Chornock at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown.The Herberts have two daughters: Ruth Ann, presently residing with them, and Claudia Jean, married to Ernest John Pido of Mount Vernon, Ohio. They also have three grandchildren: E.J., Kaitlin Jean and Jacob Paul Pido.Herbert's parish assignments have been St. John's, Ellwood City, Pa.; St. Mary's, Akron, Ohio; St. John's, North Side, Pittsburgh; St. Michael's, Freeland, Pa.; St. Nicholas, Elizabeth, N.J.; St. John's, Hawk Run, Pa.; St. Nicholas, Homestead, Pa.; and as a supply priest for Greek, Antiochian and Ukrainian Orthodox churches, prior to moving to Mount Vernon, Ohio.In March of 2010, he was assigned to serve the Holy Cross Mission Parish in Columbus, Ohio until the appointment of an administrator."It is a great joy to come home," said Herbert, "and celebrate the Liturgy on the alter of my youth for all of the good people of this parish, my family and those who encouraged me to serve God and His people. I have gratitude toward them all."