Our rector is the Very Reverend Michael R. Ruk — or simply “Michael,” as he prefers to be called. Michael was born in Pittsburgh and raised in a Roman Catholic family. He is a graduate of Allegheny College, where he majored in political science and religious studies. He holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Duquesne University.

Michael taught high school in Natrona Heights, Pa., for a number of years before deciding to enter seminary. He graduated from the Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, Wisc., and was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 2003. Before becoming rector at St. Philip’s in 2012, he served at Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh; St. Paul's, Levittown; and All Saints, Fallsington.

Michael serves as dean of Bucks County’s 17 Episcopal churches. He is able to perform marriages in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Michael’s interests include liturgy, monasticism, inter-religious dialogue, and issues of social justice. He loves traveling for the chance it gives him to experience different cultures — and cuisines — and he is not one to pass up a good Broadway show, ever.

Contact him at 267-897-3050 or info@stphilipsnewhope.org.