Protodeacon Nicholas Polansky fell asleep in the Lord here on Wednesday, July 5, 2006, after a long illness.
Born in Minersville, PA, in 1919, Protodeacon Nicholas began singing in the choir of Saints Peter and Paul Church, his home parish, at a very early age. He served in the US Army during World War II, after which he and his wife, the former Paraskeva [Pearl] Polinsky, also a Minersville native, relocated to Farmingdale, NY, and joined Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow, NY. Over the years, he faithfully served the parish as a singer, choir director, youth choir director, parish council member, and other capacities.
In 1968, he was ordained to the diaconate by His Eminence, Metropolitan Ireney. He served Holy Trinity Church under several parish rectors, and on numerous occasions he served at other New York City Deanery parishes. In 1986, he was elevated to the rank of Protodeacon by His Grace, Bishop Peter of New York and New Jersey. In recognition of his many years of faithful service to the Church, he was awarded the Order of Saint Innocent by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman in 2003.
“A good and conscientious servant and steward, he will be missed by the entire parish community of Holy Trinity Church,” said the Very Rev. Alexander Garklavs, Holy Trinity Church rector.
Protodeacon Nicholas is survived by his wife Paraskeva; his son Stefan and his wife Ellen; his daughter Susan Ingretsen and her husband Bruce; and three grandchildren. A second son, Cyril, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 369 Green Ave., East Meadow, NY on Friday, July 7, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., with the funeral service celebrated at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, July 8, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m., followed by interment at Pine Lawn Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY. For more information, please call Father Alexander Garklavs at 516-483-3649.
May Protodeacon Nicholas’ memory be eternal!