Protodeacon Simeon Kopcha fell asleep in the Lord here on Friday, April 30, 2010.
Born in Terryville on May 3, 1927, Protodeacon Simeon was a life-long member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, at which he served.
During World War II he served in the US Navy in the Pacific theatre. In 1951, after completing his tour of duty, he married the former Eva Hasko, with whom he had four children.
He served Saints Cyril and Methodius parish as a member of the parish council, FROC, and choir. In the early 1960s he served as parish choir director and was instrumental in the transition from Slavonic to English as the primarily liturgical language. He attended numerous choir conferences at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary and in Ohio.
In the 1970s, he became an active supporter of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary and was involved deeply in the Saint Vladimir’s Theological Foundation, using his expertise in sales to urge others to support the seminary. Under the direction of Archpriest Michael Koblosh, Sam stepped down as choir director after 26 years and undertook preparation for ordination to the diaconate, to which he was ordained by His Grace, Bishop Job of Hartford and New England during the parish’s 75th anniversary celebration on June 14, 1987. He was elevated to the rank of protodeacon in 1999.
Protodeacon Simeon continued to serve Saint Cyril and Methodius parish, the Connecticut Deanery, and the Diocese of New England until December 2005. On Sunday, May 10, 2009, he was presented with a Synodal gramota for his many years of dedicated service.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eva; his brother Louis; daughters Susan Kopcha Davis, Claudia Kopcha Senetcen, and Matushka Melanie Kopcha Koles; son Peter Kopcha; and eight grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, 34 Fairview Avenue, Terryville, on Monday, May 3, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. A Panikhida will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment in the parish cemetery.
May Protodeacon Simeon’s memory be eternal!