Protodeacon Basil Safchuk, 92, formerly of Peabody, MA, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, July 14, 2016.
Born in Peaboody, MA on March 15, 1924, he was the son of the late Alexander Safchuk and Rosalie [nee Biskup] Safchuk. He was a WWII veteran, having entered the European theater at Normandy Beach. After being honorably discharged from the Army Corp of Engineers, he found work with Eastman Kodak in the quality control lab for film emulsions. Almost 20 years later, he switched careers and began teaching science at Salem High School, Salem, MA. Upon retirement at age 62, he enrolled in the Orthodox Church in America’s Diaconal Vocations Program. Having successfully completed his studies, he was ordained to the diaconate and entered into the most fulfilling part of his career. He served for over 25 years in this capacity and was eventually elevated to the rank of Protodeacon before he retired from active service due to health issues.
Protodeacon Basil is survived by his loving son, Archpriest Gregory Safchuk, Rector of Saint Mark Church, Bethesda, MD and his wife, Matushka Alexandra; three devoted grandsons, Nathaniel Safchuk and his wife, Sherry of West Hills, CA, Benjamin Safchuk of Richmond, VA, and Alexander Safchuk of Washington, DC; and his great grandson, Christopher Safchuk. Protodeacon Basil was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Claudia; two brothers, Edward and Peter Safchuk; and sister, Ann.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Saint Mark Church, 7124 River Road, Bethesda, MD on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. A Memorial will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral service will be celebrated at Saint Nicholas Church, 64 Forrester Street, Salem, MA on Thursday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Iconography Fund of Saint Mark Church, 7124 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817.
May Protodeacon Basil’s memory be eternal!