August 7, 2012
Novo-Diveevo, NY: Holy Dormition Convent’s Longtime Choir Director Boris I. Mitrohin reposed in the Lord

On Tuesday, August 7, at the age of 93, the former longtime choir director of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, Boris I. Mitrohin, reposed in the Lord.

Boris I. Mitrohin was born in the former Russian Empire on March 23, 1919. He left the Soviet Union in his youth, moving to Belgrade, where he graduated university with a degree in mathematics. After moving to the United States, he taught mathematics for many years at a local college.

Mitrohin never studied to be a choir director, but fate forced him to take charge of the monastery choir in 1973, when the then choir director fell ill and reposed. Mitrohin, at the request of Bishop Andrei of Rockland, agreed to temporarily fill the role of choir director. He would serve in the trying role of choir director for almost 30 years. According to those who knew him, his work with the choir was inspired by the words of Bishop Andrei: "This place is home to a cemetery. People come here with sorrow in their hearts. Wipe away their tears."

Mitrohin’s first wife, Elena, reposed in 1990. Several years after her death, he married his second wife, Vera.

Mitrohin was greatly loved and respected both by parishioners and by his fellow faculty members and students. In the words of Matushka Maria Fedorowski, "He worked in New York City as an architect, but he taught math. He was a wonderful professor. Despite his growing weakness, he continued teaching at a local college, where his wife would drive him. His students gave him amazing marks, it was really something. They truly respected him, and when he retired, the college didn’t want to lose him."

Funeral services will be held at the Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" on August 9 at 11:00 AM.

Photographs of the Kursk Icon visiting B. Mitrohin on January 16, 2010

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese