YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A spokesperson for St. Paul the Apostle Church says that the pastor injured in a traffic accident is paralyzed from the waist down.

The church spokesperson tells 21 News that Father Stephen Popovich is awake and alert in Saint Elizabeth Hospital, where he's been since Wednesday when his car slid on ice along Struthers Road in Poland Township, then struck a pickup truck and tree.

The driver of the pickup wasn't injured.

Father Popovich is the pastor of Saint Paul the Apostle parish in New Middletown.

A prayer service is planned for Father Popovich's 59th birthday at 7:00 p.m. on November 24 at St. Paul's.

Stay connected with wfmj.com and 21 News for the latest on this developing story.