On Monday afternoon, April 15, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to officiate the funeral of newly departed Protodeacon Joseph Jarostchuk, who reposed in the Lord the Thursday prior.

The body of Fr. Joseph was brought previously to Holy Epiphany Church in Boston, MA and St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY, where panihidas were served and local parishioners were able to pray for the soul of their beloved cleric.

A memorial repast was held Monday in the monastery refectory, after which all assembled in Holy Trinity Cathedral for the funeral service officiated by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, concelebrated by Bishop Luke of Syracuse and a multitude of monastery, diocesan, and visiting clergy.

Before the start of the service, His Eminence addressed the faithful, touching on Fr. Joseph’s lifelong dedication and service to the Russian Church Abroad, and the importance of praying for his immortal soul.

The service was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

The cathedral was filled with family and friends of the newly reposed. Archpriest Victor Boldewskul (rector of Holy Epiphany Church) delivered a eulogy.

At the conclusion of the funeral, those gathered were then able to give the last kiss to Protodeacon Joseph, who was interred in the monastery cemetery.