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Retired Bishop
Guylarte dies at
the age of 65

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By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Richard G. Guylarte, 65, a retired bishop of the American Orthodox Catholic Church who was known as the Right Rev. Alexander Nevsky and spent his last days as a Waianae resident, died Nov. 27 in Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi.

While on a visit here in 1977, he explained the name Alexander Nevsky was conferred upon him when he was ordained a priest in 1973. He was known by his original name in retirement here.

Born in Berkeley, Calif., Guylarte spent much of his life on the mainland. But he was a graduate of St. Louis High School here. His mother, Ada Catherine Pezzatti, an Oahu resident, preceded him in death in 1996.

His appointments included a brief time as bishop of the Hawaiian Islands -- at which time his isle base was at the St. Demetrius Mission, 2266 Amokemoke St. in Pearl City. He was recalled from Hawaii by the church patriarchal see in New York to become auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles in 1974, when St. Demetrius Mission was deactivated.

In 1973, Guylarte told a Star-Bulletin reporter the American Orthodox Catholic Church was officially established in 1927, as an offshoot of the Russian Orthodox faith. "Our church is unique in that we have a working ministry," he said, with priests employed in the secular world.

Guylarte is survived by an aunt, Violet Wight; and his primary care-giver, Dolly Vierra. A graveside service takes place at 10:45 a.m. tomorrow in Diamond Head Memorial Park.