Aleksander Duchnovič was born in the Zemplyn County highlands, in the village of Topolja, on April 24, 1803.  He lived his childhood in the village of his birth and in Staščin [Stakčin], where his maternal grandfather, A. Gerberij, was the cantor/teacher.  Here in a family atmosphere he received his rudimentary education.   He went to middle school in Užhorod.  When he finished high school he was accepted as a seminarian student for the Eparchy of Prešov.  Since there was no seminary in Prešov at the time, he completed his theology studies in Užhorod.  After his ordination he was assigned as a clerk in the eparchial chancery office in Prešov.  Later he was the pastor in the village of Biloveža, in the region of "Makovicja," where he worked until 1838.  Later he went to Užhorod, where for a short time he was a Notary for the church consistory.  In 1844 in Prešov, Duchnovič was appointed to the Chapter of Canons.  As Canon he was elected as representative to parliament where he served for two years.  On his return home he continued living in Prešov until his death.  Duchnovič died on March 30, 1865 and was buried in the Prešov city cemetery.

Although a priest by profession, Aleksander Duchnovič is best known as a national awakener and enlightener of his people.  His initial activities clashed with the Hungarian Revolution in 1848-1849.  During this period, Duchnovič was jailed by the Hungarian authorities when he chose to remain loyal to his nationality rather than denounce his Rusyn roots. It was there that he wrote his best-known hymn "Ja Rusyn byl" ….