NEW MIDDLETOWN, Ohio - A priest injured in a traffic accident earlier this week is said to be recovering from surgery and resting comfortably.

That's the  word from people who  attended a special service for Father Stephen Popovich early Friday at Saint Paul the Apostle Parish.

"Were feeling terrible. There is just tremendous amounts of prayer going up for him everyone misses him, and sends him their prayers, their positive energy, and all the blessings." said Alvera Bell, who attended the service. "We just want him back we cant wait for him to be up and running around on his Harley again."

Father Popovich was injured Wednesday when his car slid along a curve on Struthers Road south of route 224, then clipped a pickup truck and hit a tree.