Archpriest Mihai Cociu, 63, Pastor of Holy Cross Church, London, ON, Canada, fell asleep in the Lord at University Hospital on Friday, October 20, 2017 after a year-long battle with cancer.
Born in Nimaiesti, Bihor, Romania on September 9, 1954, Father Mihai graduated from the Theological Institute in Sibiu, from which he received his theological degree in 1979. In the same year, he married the former Rodica Iaru, with whom he had three children. After his ordination to the priesthood in September 1981, he served the Dormition of the Mother of God Church, Oradea, Bihor, Romania.
After the Cocius immigrated to Canada in April 2003, he was assigned Pastor of London, ON’s Holy Cross Church, where he faithfully served until his repose.
In addition to his wife, Preoteasa Rodica, Father Mihai is survived by two sons, Horatiu [Oana] Cociu and Laurentiu Cociu; a daughter, Oana [Deacon Nicholae] Bogdan; and three grandchildren, Victor, Ariadna and Cassian. He is lovingly remembered by his family and friends in Romania and will be sadly missed by the faithful of Holy Cross Church.
His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate presided at funeral services following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 22, at Holy Cross Church. Interment followed at Woodland Cemetery.
May Father Mihai’s memory be eternal!