Father Emmert was born the only child of Edwin and Mary Emmert on November 16, 1934, in Hagerstown,
Maryland. At the early age of 16, Father Emmert began his Service to God as a student pastor in the Lutheran Church.
From his early years in High School, Father Emmert enjoyed reading about the Orthodox faith and was inspired by its historical and biblical teachings. He did his Theological studies at Holy Cross School of Theology, Christ the Savior, and Saint Vladimir’s seminaries. While at Christ the Savior, he taught Scripture and Homiletics, and was Prefect, Dean of Students.
His desire to learn more of the faith led Father Emmert to college and post-graduate work in the United States, Greece, Turkey, and Germany. He made pilgrimages to Lebanon, Syria, and the Holy Land. Among many others, Father Emmert studied under the Academic instruction of famed Orthodox theologian and author, Father Georges Florovsky. Father Emmert represented the Church at meetings of the World Council of Churches, as well as other Ecumenical gatherings.
As a celibate priest with no family, the Metropolitan was able to transfer and relocate Father Emmert to
many parishes where his talent was needed; he served and ministered to people in many cities across the
country; he also served as pastoral chaplain in the world-renowned Medical Centers in Houston, Texas. He
served Saint George Church in Oak Park, Illinois, and later Cicero, Illinois, for a total of 9 years from 1975
to 1985.
Father Emmert loved to study languages. He spoke English, Greek, German, and some Arabic. As we can see from his life events, Father Emmert valued education at every level. He would often encourage teens and young adults to read scripture and attend Bible studies. In visiting parishioners’ homes, he would make time to teach the young children and answer their questions.
Father Emmert went to his eternal rest on October 23, 2013, and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in the Saint George Church section along with many of his former parishioners.
May his memory be eternal!