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Metr. Nicholas was born Richard Smisko on [[February 23]], 1936. <!--big jump here--more early info, anyone?-->
His service as an Orthodox clergyman began in the [[Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA|Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America]] where he rose to the hierarchy. He was elected a [[bishop]] of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America by the Holy [[Synod]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]]. He was consecrated on [[March 13]], 1983 , in St. Mary's Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania, with as titular bishop of Amissos. The consecrating hierarchs were [[Iakovos (Coucouzis) of America|Archbishop Iakovos]] of the [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]], Metr. Andrew (Kuschak) of Evkarpia of the UOC of America, Bp. John (Martin) of Nyssa of the ACROD, and Bp. Philotheos of Meloa.
Following the sudden death of Bp. John Martin on [[September 30]], 1984, the administrator of the [[diocese]], mitred priest Fr. Peter E. Molchany, and the diocesan board of trustees convened a Special Council-Sobor to nominate a candidate for [[ruling bishop]] of the diocese. At the Special Council, held on [[November 26]], 1984, Bp. Nicholas of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America was nominated as their candidate to be the bishop of the diocese. After receiving his candidacy, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elected Bp. Nicholas as Ruling Bishop of ACROD on [[March 20]], 1985.