From my friend and brother deacon Daniel Dozier, who received this communication from the chancery of the Parma Eparchy:

PRAYER REQUEST:

Fr. Basil Hutsko was attacked and knocked unconscious this morning in the altar servers sacristy at his parish in Merrillville, Indiana after celebrating Liturgy. The attacker choked him and slammed his head to the ground. Fr. Basil lost consciousness. Before going unconscious Fr. Basil heard the attacker say, “This is for all the kids!” (reference to the clergy sex abuse coverage in the media.)

All clergy are now targets and need to be vigilant. However it must also be clear that Fr. Hutsko was a random target. He is NOT guilty of any sex abuse.

Fr. Hutsko is being examined in the hospital at this time.

Thank you,

Fr. Thomas J. Loya