We mourn: the passing of Vitalii Rudenko, who reposed tragically on Monday, September 2.  

(1/16/86 - 3/2/26)

 

On the previous day, Vitalii came to our parish for only the second time, prayed at Divine Liturgy, enjoyed a full meal and participated in the discussion with His Grace, Bishop Serafim during fellowship.  On Monday, he was called home to the Lord.  Vitalii has no known relatives or family in the United States, and we do not have sufficient information to contact any relations in Russia or Ukraine.  Prior to coming to our parish, Vitalii spent three nights on the streets, with only a backpack to his name.  

 

I firmly believe that Our Merciful Lord guided Vitalii to Saint George Cathedral in the last hours of his earthly life so that he would not have to enter eternity alone, but accompanied by the full force of prayer from our parish.  As he has no known contacts, we will take the responsibility for Vitalii's Orthodox Christian burial upon ourselves.  Our parishioner, Ari Nikich, of Eternal Light Funeral Home, will provide the funeral arrangements for this exceptional situation at his cost.  We will take a collection at the end of Divine Liturgy to cover these expenses, and I ask all of you to be most generous in your parting gift for this departed soul.