The Very Reverend Father Richard Grabowski, Chairman of the Department of Christian Assistance of the Orthodox Church in America’s Romanian Episcopate, died here on Thursday, 6 May 2004, following a brief illness.
Father Grabowski was born on 21 March, 1924 in Ramnicul-Valcea, Romania. After completing his education in Romania, he and his wife immigrated to the United States in 1952 and eventually became American citizens. Ordained to the priesthood in 1962 by His Eminence, Archbishop Valerian [Trifa], he was assigned as assistant priest at the Falling Asleep of the Ever Virgin Mary Church, Saint Paul, MN in 1962. The following year he was reassigned pastor of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Church, Merrillville, IN. In 1971 he was named pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Los Angeles CA, while in 1982 he was reassigned pastor of the Falling Asleep of the Ever Virgin Mary Church, Cleveland, OH. He also served briefly as administrator of Saints Michael and Gabriel Church, Fort Wayne, IN and Holy Resurrection Church, Oakland CA.
After his retirement from active parish assignment, he served as the US Coordinator and Chairman of the ROEA’s Department of Christian Assistance and the “Help for Romania” program, for which he faithfully coordinated and oversaw the distribution of millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid to the needy of Romania. Additionally, he was very active in the life of the Episcopate, having served as a member of the Episcopate Council and Spiritual Consistory and as Spiritual Advisor of the American Romanian Orthodox Youth (AROY). He also was an active participant in the annual camping and educational programs at the Vatra, Grass Lake, MI.
Father Grabowski is survived by his wife, Hildegard, and children Michael, George, John, Richard, Corina (Phillips), Paul, and Stephen and their families.
Visitation will be at Holy Resurrection Church, Warren, OH on Monday, May 10 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. A Memorial will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m.
The hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Funeral services will be held at the Falling Asleep of the Ever Virgin Mary Cathedral, Cleveland, OH on Tuesday, May 11, 9:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Saint Mary Cemetery at Vatra Romaneasca, Grass Lake, MI on Wednesday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m.
May Father Grabowski’s memory be eternal!