Archpriest Michael Soter, retired pastor of Saint John the Baptist Church, South Boston, MA and Annunciation Church, Natick, MA, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, November 11, 2016.
As a young man—his father, the late Archpriest Sokrat Soter, had served for many years as pastor of Saint Mary’s Assumption Church, Worcester, MA—he had studied at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY before pursuing a career in education as a teacher and respected school administrator. He later served as General Secretary of the Albanian Archdiocese of the Orthodox Church in America and compiled a bilingual Liturgy book with parallel English and Albanian texts. He and his late wife, Prifteresha Viola, conducted a missionary trip to Albania in 1991 and participated in numerous humanitarian aid missions with the American Red Cross. In retirement, he assisted at numerous parishes in Florida.
Visitation will be held at Saint Mary’s Assumption Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17. The Funeral service will be celebrated at the church on Friday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Father Michael was predeceased by his beloved wife, Prifteresha Viola, who fell asleep in the Lord on July 22, 2016. He is survived by their sons Michael and Eric [Denise]; and grandchildren Amanda and Derek.
May Father Michael’s memory be eternal!