From left to right: Protodeacon Gordian, Archpriest Sergei, Reader Lucas, Deacon Olexandr
Friday, August 16/3, 2024.
During our bright sorrow at the cemetery, the parish was joyfully consoled at Father John’s graveside – by Fr. Sergei Overt, visiting from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, in Vancouver BC. – who also helped serve at the Divine Liturgy and Funeral for a Priest.
(Please forgive the relayer of these paraphrased remarks below if any discrepancies.)
…Father John’s personage is very important to Orthodoxy in Canada and North America. His burial spot is Holy Ground. Come and visit him! Pray for him! Don’t forget where his grave is! Pray for his soul and for yourself too! Christ is Risen, Father John…
To which the choir joyously responded, singing the Paschal Tropar, Christ is Risen, several times!