Additional update: The Funeral of Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko

VRev Thomas Hopko

Clergy attending the Funeral of the newly departed Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko at the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA, are invited to concelebrate at the services they will be attending—that is, the Panikhidas and the actual Funeral Service.  In view of the fact that the monastery’s Chapel is small, special arrangements regarding concelebrating clergy may need to be made. Decisions regarding this matter will be made by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, or his designated representative. Metropolitan Tikhon asks that bright (white/gold) vestments be worn for the Panikhida on Sunday evening, March 22, and the Funeral on Monday morning, March 23.  However, clergy attending the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Friday, March 20, are asked to wear Lenten vestments.

As reported earlier, Father Thomas’ body will be ushered into the monastery church at 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning, March 20. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will continue throughout the day on Friday, with the celebration of Matins for the Departed at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Panikhida at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will conclude at 9:00 p.m. that evening.

On Memorial Saturday, March 21, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Panikhida. Visitation will continue throughout the day. The Vigil on Saturday evening will begin at 5:30 p.m., with visitation continuing until 9:00 p.m.

On Sunday, March 22, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. followed by visitation throughout the afternoon. Vespers will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Panikhida at 6:00 p.m., with visitation continuing until 9:00 p.m.

On Monday, March 23, the Funeral Service for a Priest will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment in the monastery cemetery and a memorial meal.

In related news, services will be streamed on the web site of the Monastery of the Transfiguration.  To access them on the monastery web site, click “Online Chapel” and then “UStream.”

May Father Thomas’ memory be eternal!