Priest Alexander J. Jasiukowicz, who was attached in retirement to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Church here, fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday afternoon, June 20, 2015, surrounded by his family. He had suffered from cancer.
Born of American parents in Belaruus, Father Alexander developed an interest in art, and especially iconography, at an early age. He studied at the Minsk Fine Arts Academy and the Warsaw Theological Seminary. While studying at Saint Sergius Theological Institute, Paris, France, he took weekend classes with master iconographer Leonid Ouspensky, an important figure in the post-war movement that advocated a return to the older forms of Orthodox iconography. Although the movement initially met with resistance, by the 1950s it had gained enough strength that many Orthodox parishes in America were commissioning paintings and mosaics in the older styles.
He settled in Chicago in 1962, relocating with his wife and sons to the Orlando, FL area in 1982. Ordained to the priesthood in 1972, he served parishes in Chicago and central Florida. He was responsible for completing frescoes and other iconographic works in numerous churches, including Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Allison Park, PA.
He is survived by his wife, Matushka Helen, and sons Alexander, Michael and Gregory.
The Funeral for a Priest will be celebrated at Saint Stephen the Protomartyr Church, 1895 Lake Emma Rd., Orlando/Longwood, FL at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, followed by interment at All Faiths Memorial Park.
May Father Alexander’s memory be eternal!