September 25, 2013
Jordanville: Funeral Services were held in Holy Trinity Monastery for Protodeacon John Onopko

On Friday, September 20, the eve of the great feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God, the funeral for Protodeacon John Onopko was held at Holy Trinity Monastery. The funeral was served by monastery rector Archimandrite Luke, monastery clergy and clergy friends of the newly reposed Fr. John.

Friends and relatives came from Canada, Cleveland, and many other places. Among those mourning were fellow members of the Displaced Persons (DP) camp at Fischbeck, Germany where Fr. John lived with hundreds of other Russian refugees after World War II before arriving in America in 1950. 

Protodeacon Victor Lochmatow (monastery cleric), Fr. John’s longtime friend, gave the eulogy. He pointed out Fr. John’s great love for the Church’s services and his zeal in serving them. He was known for his love and service to Metropolitan Laurus and the monastery in general. Over the years, he donated new vestments for the monastery services in all of the various liturgical colors. Fr. John accepted the news of his incurable illness not only without complaint, but with a certain joy and submission to God’s will. Those who loved him will remember him for his kindness and love he showed everybody.

May God grant rest to his soul!

Photos: www.jordanville.org

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese