The Mitred Archpriest Michael Zelneronok, 94, died in retirement at his home here on Monday, September 8, 2003.
Born June 12, 1909 in Latvia, he married the former Seraphima Dimitrievna Ivanova in 1936, after which he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence, Metropolitan Augustine of Riga and Latvia. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1940 and served parishes in Riga and Liepaja, Latvia. In 1944 he escaped to Germany, where he ministered to Orthodox faithful in displaced persons’ camps.
After immigrating with his family to the United States in 1950, he was received into the Metropolia and assigned to Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, CA. In May 1951 he, together with a small group of displaced persons, established Saint Nicholas Church, Saratoga, CA. During his pastorate there, he oversaw the construction of the church, rectory and school building. In 1971 he was assigned to Saint Nicholas Church, San Diego, CA, which he served until his retirement in August 1987. In 1995 he relocated to Florida, where he was associated with Saint Michael the Archangel Greek Orthodox parish in Lecanto, FL.
Father Zelneronok was preceded in death by his wife in 1995. Survivors include his son, Dr. Nicholai Zelneronok of Crystal River, FL; his daughter, Larissa Anderson of Conway, SC; and two grandchildren.
Funeral services are being arranged by the Rev. Nicholas Samaras of Saint Michael the Archangel Greek Orthodox Church.
May Father Zelneronok’s memory be eternal!