Rev. Fr. John Christian Charest

With a profound depth of sadness, we share the unexpected passing of Rev. Father John Christian Charest, 43, on August 11, 2026. Loving husband of Laryssa (Tschaikowsky), beloved father of Sebastian, Avah, and Christopher. He leaves behind his parents Richard and Christine (Teper) Charest, brother Gregg (Elizabeth), nephew John “Jack” and niece Juliette, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Father John was born on September 14th, 1982, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. As a child, he loved soccer, hockey, and he carried this love into coaching, supporting boys and girls’ soccer teams and girl’s hockey, and became a certified professional referee. He achieved the highest attainable rank and served in honor as an Eagle Scout. His love for his church started early in childhood and grew exponentially.

Fr. John received his Bachelor of Arts from Rhode Island College, studying early childhood education, and minoring in theater, and later taught in school systems in Rhode Island and Chicago.

During his college years, he volunteered at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island, and he applied his interest in physical therapy when he took part in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Mission Trips to orphanages in Ukraine. It was on one trip in 2006 where he met his future wife, Laryssa.

Father John went on to receive his Master of Divinity degree from St. Sophia Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ, and was ordained into the Holy Deaconate in 2011, and later to the Holy Priesthood in 2017. He served many faithful parish communities including St. Volodymyr Cathedral in Chicago, and Sts. Peter and Paul in Palos Park, Illinois, before being assigned to Sts. Peter and Paul in Carnegie, PA

Father John’s love for the youngest members of the church was evident by how drawn children were to him. He served the youth of the church in every way he could: serving as national Junior Ukrainian Orthodox League (UOL) Spiritual Advisor, engaging with youth virtually during the pandemic, and supporting the launch of The St Constantine Orthodox School of Pittsburgh. For his exemplary service to children, he was awarded the Metro J. Baron award.

He deeply loved his parish community, and played an active role in broadening the reach and service of the church. Father John founded the church Men’s group, which met monthly to support the Neighborhood Resilience Project and provided meals to the needy.

During Father John’s nine year tenure as priest, he supported his vision of a flourishing parish by developing and delivering a catechumen class, which led many new faithful into their journey of the Orthodox Faith.

He offered a marriage preparation course for couples, and was deeply fulfilled by his weekly visit to shut-ins. He served as President of the Pittsburgh Clergy Brotherhood. He was unwavering support to providing aid to Ukraine, and con-celebrated the weekly Moleben with his dear brother priest Fr. Jason Charron. Father John invited the public to his church tours during parish events, always welcoming people in. His welcoming demeanor will be known as his legacy.

Father John touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed. Memory Eternal!

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Vladimir S. Corba Funeral Home, Carnegie

Please visit vladimirscorbafuneralhome.com

Funeral Services will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 220 Mansfield Blvd Carnegie, PA 15106

on Tuedsay, August 18, 2026:

9-10am - Visitation at the Church

10am - Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service

followed by funeral luncheon at Double Tree Pittsburgh, 500 Mansfield Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Private internment at Sts Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Carnegie

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Charest Childrens Scholarship Fund.