Rev. Father Eric Orzech named pastor of St. Casimir Catholic Church on Cleveland's east side

CLEVELAND - Saint Casimir Catholic Church on Cleveland's east side has reason to celebrate. The church re-opened in July after being ordered closed by Bishop Richard Lennon in 2009. Now, the church named a new pastor and is ready to move the church forward.

Rev. Father Eric Orzech was formally installed as pastor at St. Casimir Catholic church on Sunday, November 25, 2012.

"I think the people have a great sense of relief. They love their church and they're so happy to be back" said Rev. Orzech.

He was ordained to the priesthood in 1993. Rev. Orzech studied in Krakow Poland and currently serves as national vice-president of the Polish American Priests' Association .

The neighborhood surrounding St. Casimir is largely Polish. Parishioners are happy that Orzech was chosen as pastor.

"I think he will unite not only the Polish speaking people but also the English speaking people who have been in this parish for so many years" said Tina Girod, long time parishioner of St. Casimir.

Orzech has a unique duty in that he is both pastor for St. Stanislaus and St. Casimir. Both churches offer masses spoken in English and Polish.

"The parishioners can't wait to help the neighborhood come back. There is a great sense of hope and optimism and we want to share that with our part of the city" said Orzech.