He is a second-generation Hungarian. He was born as the thirteenth of the 17 children of István Loya, a priest and translator, and Margit Boskay. He attended Holly Name Elementary School (Duquesne, PA), St. Fidellis High School (Herman, PA), as well as Duquesne University and the SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary (both in Pittsburgh, PA). He was ordained a priest by Bishop Nicholas T. Elko in 1966. After his retirement, he lived in the family’s country home in Dawson, Pennsylvania, which he named Mount Athos. There, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the home chapel and tended to the upkeep of the property.

During his ministry, he served at numerous parishes in Pennsylvania, though the exact dates for these can only be partially identified: St. Nicholas, Brownsville; St. Mary, Duquesne; St. Mary, Windber; St. Mary, East Pittsburgh; and Holy Trinity, Wall; St. George in Youngstown and St. Michael, Pleasant City, Ohio; as well as St. Mary, Morgantown, WV