Ms. Eleana Silk, 74, fell asleep in the Lord on October 21, 2025.
Eleana was born in Detroit, MI, and studied zoology and geology at Michigan State and George Washington University, working as a computer programmer before enrolling at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in the 1980s. She went on to complete a Master of Divinity degree in 1986 and a Master of Arts in Christian Education in 1988. She then graduated with a Master of Library Science degree from Columbia University in 1989.
Eleana eventually joined staff as assistant librarian and later head librarian of the Seminary’s Father Georges Florovsky Library. She served faithfully for many years until her retirement in 2019, and was also known in the Seminary community for her generosity in support of seminarians and their families.
In addition to her work for the Seminary, Eleana remained an active member at all levels of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), serving on the OCA’s Metropolitan Council and Department of History and Archives; co-editing the book The Legacy of St. Vladimir (SVS Press, 1990); and writing articles for The Orthodox Church, The FROC Journal and the OCA’s Resource Handbook for Lay Ministries. Silk also served as secretary of the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (OCEC).
The Funeral Service for Eleana will be held at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, PA, on October 31, 2025 at 10:30 AM with the burial immediately following. Clergy are invited to serve and wear white vestments.
In lieu of flowers, checks may be sent to Saint Gregory the Theologian Church, 1500 Route 376, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590-6104, memo Eleana Silk Fund or at this link to assist in covering funeral costs.
May Eleana’s memory be eternal!