The Rev. John M. Limbeson, a retired priest of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, fell asleep in the Lord at his home here after a lengthy heart ailment on Friday, August 19, 2005.
Father John was born in Cleveland, OH, on March 22, 1922. After completing his secondary education, he enrolled in Case Institute of Technology, interrupting his studies in 1943 to serve in the US Army, in which he attained the rank of lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. In 1946, he was honorably discharged and completed his studies, graduating in 1948. He completed additional studies at California State University.
Upon completion of the late vocations program and the Saint Stephen Course of Studies in Orthodox Theology, he was ordained to into the holy diaconate in 1980 by His Eminence, Archbishop Valerian, and assigned to Holy Trinity Church, Los Angeles, CA. In 1985, he was ordained into the holy priesthood by HIs Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel and assigned to Saint Anne Mission, Pomona, CA. In 1993, he was assigned to Saints Constantine and Helen Church, Indianapolis, IN. After his retirement from active ministry in 1997, he and his wife Betty returned to California.
Father John was active in the life of the episcopate for many years. He was a charter member of the American Romanian Orthodox Youth [AROY] and served as its first national president from 1950 until 1954. From 1993 until 1995, he served as AROY’s national spiritual advisor. He also served as treasurer of the episcopate council from 1995 until 1999. Throughout his life, he was involved in numerous pan-Orthodox lay and clergy organizations.
A Memorial will be celebrated at Saint Luke Antiochian Orthodox Church, Garden Grove, CA, on Monday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. The Divine Liturgy and Funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 23, at 9:00 a.m.
Interment will be in the cemetery at Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Ellwood City, PA.
In addition to his wife of almost 59 years, Betty, Father John is survived by a son, John; a daughter, Merry Ann [Mrs.Serge] Loukianoff; and three grandchildren.
May Father John’s memory be eternal!