Sunday was a day of celebration for the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church in Nesquehoning as they gathered to honor their priest, the Rev. Father Robert J. Teklinski and his wife, Pani Peggy on their 25th anniversary and his 15th anniversary of entering the priesthood.

A Divine Liturgy, officiated by His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, was held and included the ordination of a new deacon, Daniel Vaskalis of Freeland, as well as a blessing over the Teklinskis."It was a great honor for a priest to have an ordination on his anniversary," Teklinski said. "It shows that the priesthood will live on."Teklinski was ordained by the late Metropolitan Nicholas Smisko on Aug. 20, 2000.The parishioners then celebrated the couple at a pig roast, held at the grove at Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1.The festive event mirrored both a family picnic and an outdoor wedding reception, complete with a head table and cutting cake."We are overwhelmed with joy and can't believe the outpouring love and effort our parish put in for us," Teklinski said, adding that the day was even more special by Bishop Gregory, as well as other priests from the diocese celebrating Divine Liturgy with him."I'm grateful for the wonderful parish family we have to make this day possible," Peggy added.The Teklinskis, who are originally from the Pittsburgh area, were married on July 7, 1990 by the Rev. Richard G. Salley. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.