Protodeacon Peter Varian, 88, died at his home here Saturday, July 13, 2002 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born in Minneapolis, Protodeacon Varian was a lifelong member of Saint Mary’s Cathedral, and lived his entire life within two blocks of the parish church. Throughout his life he was very involved in the parish community, serving as a member of the cathedral’s Board of Trustees and a variety of committees and parish organizations. He was very active in the Senior “O” Club on the parish and district levels and was a life-long member of Saint Mary’s Cathedral Choir. He regularly participated in the annual assemblies of the Diocese of the Midwest.
After his retirement in the late 1970s from Onan Corp., where he handled the paperwork for the company’s exports of generators and engines, he began theological studies through the Orthodox Church in America’s late vocation program. In 1979 he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Grace, Bishop Boris of Chicago. In 1992, he was elevated to the rank of protodeacon in recognition of his years of faithful service to the cathedral community.
Due to failing health, Protodeacon Varian stopped assisting at services in early 2002, although he was able to participate in Paschal services during the same year.
In addition to his wife, the former Mary Leschisin, Protodeacon Varian is survived by one son, James; two daughters, Matushka Pearl Homiak and Jane Smith; a brother, John; and eight grandchildren.
Viewing will be held at Saint Mary Cathedral, 1701 Fifth Street North East, Minneapolis, MN at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 16. At 7:00 p.m., funeral services will be held. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by His Grace, Bishop Job; the Very Rev. Myron Manzuk, Dean of Saint Mary’s Cathedral; and parish and visiting clergy on Tuesday, July 17 at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery.
May Protodeacon Varian’s memory be eternal.