Priest Paul Hicha
The first Orthodox priest in Chino Valley, AZ, or anywhere in Yavapai County was Priest Paul Hicha.
He was born November 6, 1888 in Russia. He married Helen nee Leshin Hicha (both were born in Oleshin, Russia), and had four children: Michael (1918-2009), George (1920-2010), Alice (1923-1992), and Helen (1926-2015). Helen was a long time member of the Orthodox community in Prescott, as are her daughters Kris and Marta.
In October 1917 he enlisted in the army to serve in World War I. He was honorably discharged in December 1917 because he was not a citizen. (It evidently took that long to find out back then). He was ordained in 1923 in Hartford Connecticut. He served at Saint Mary’s Holy Dormition Orthodox Church (now an OCA Church) in Calhan, Colorado between 1948-1955. When he was in Ohio, he served at a time when the churches roof needed fixing. Fr. Paul wrote a letter to both Hilton and Lindbergh asking for help. They did send him checks to accomplish the needed repairs!
All in all, Fr. Paul served parishes in the following locations:
- Wooster, MA
- Manchester, NH
- Palmer, PA
- Calhan, CO
- St. Clairsville, OH
- Sioux City, IA
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Houston, TX
Fr. Paul Hicha died on March 11, 1982, as stated on his death certificate. (He is listed in the Diptychs of the Orthodox Church in America under the date April 28, 1983).
He is buried at the Chino Valley Cemetery, Chino Valley, AZ. A monk by the name of Father Innocent performed his burial ceremonies. To this day, the three barred cross on his grave continues to send inquirers into local Orthodox churches.
Fr. Paul’s success in missionary work continues!
May Fr. Paul’s memory be eternal!
Bishop Benjamin. He evidently helped Fr. Paul sell war bonds while he was here. When he went back to Russia they arrested him. He reportedly died in prison.
