Archpriest Anastasy Richter, the beloved husband and father, and Rector of Saint Elizabeth Orthodox Church, Chesterton, IN, unexpectedly fell asleep in the Lord on September 05, 2021.
Known by family and friends as Stacey Richter, he was born with his identical twin brother on December 22, 1968 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He met his wife Trudi at Camp Arnes in Manitoba in the summer of 1988 and they were married on May 8, 1993. They were happily married for 28 years. In March of 1995, he graduated with his Geological Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba which led him to work as a mining and ventilation engineer in northern Manitoba. Father Anastasy often shared about his calling to life in the Church well before finishing his engineering degree. He was encouraged by a good pastor and friend to complete his degree before entering seminary. In 1997, together with his wife and eldest daughter, he began seminary at Saint Andrew’s College in Winnipeg and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. Father Anastasy was ordained to the priesthood in August 2001.
He served 20 years as a priest in the Orthodox Church of America (OCA) at many parishes across the United States and Canada: Saint Herman of Alaska in Edmonton, Alberta, Holy Trinity in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Saint Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Holy Assumption in Canton, Ohio, Saint Peter the Aleut in Minot, North Dakota, and finally, Saint Elizabeth the New Martyr in Chesterton, Indiana. He was truly a father to many and by God’s grace brought many souls to the Faith.
Father Stacey was always learning and reading about theology, and was especially dedicated to studying Biblical scripture in Greek and Hebrew. Anyone who has seen his personal daily prayer sessions can attest that these could easily last hours! He was genuine and authentic in his faith, not only “talking the talk”, but “walking the walk”. He did his best to be free of judgment towards others, treating his neighbor with Christ-like love, and through his love for Christ and His Church, lived as a free man. Truly his faith never wavered.
Stacey loved being outside, watching trains at the railyard, going on adventures, swimming, riding his bike, and learning about the stars. Anika would like everyone to know that he was a pain to watch movies with. He loved his wife and daughters (including their dog Lady) very deeply. He will always be remembered as a vibrant, lively person, often accompanied by a frequent and booming laugh. He laughed especially hard at his own jokes. Stacey will be missed more than words can describe.
He is survived by his immediate family; his wife Trudi (Goertzen) Richter, his children, Michal and her fiance Carlos, and twin daughters Sarah and Anika, his identical twin brother Kirby, sister-in-law Loretta and nephew Alex, his parents Wendell and Jean Richter, mother-in-law Katherine Goertzen, and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is predeceased by his mother Catherine Degelman Moore, step-father Scotty Allen Jarvis, father-in-law Johann Goertzen, grandparents Arthur Moore and Cecilia Ann Degelman and Henry Emil Richter and Doreen Jessie Kelly.
The schedule of services for Father Anastasy’s funeral is as follows.
September 14, 2021
Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
8600 Grand Blvd, Merrillville, IN 46410
Visitation: 2:30-6:30 PM
Funeral Service: 6:30-9:00 PM
September 15, 2021
Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church
Special Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM
Interment Service: Chesterton Cemetery 300 E Porter Ave, Chesterton, IN 46304
A meal will be held after services on September 15. His Eminence Archbishop Paul has requested everyone to wear face masks because of people traveling from out of state and out of the country. In lieu of flowers please donate to “Complete Father Stacey’s Vision” which will complete the iconography at Saint Elizabeth.
For those clergy attending services who would be interested in serving, contact Archbishop Paul at bishoppaul@domoca.org to let him know. Bring white vestments with you. Not all clergy may be able to serve based on the number who do contact His Eminence.
May Father Anastasy’s memory be eternal!