The Very Reverend Father Vitaly Voshchullo, retired pastor of Saint Nicholas Church, Salem, MA, died here on Sunday, February 1, 2004.
Born in 1932 in Brest Litovsk, Poland, Father Voshchullo survived the World War II bombing of his childhood home and German displaced persons’ camps before immigrating to the US after the war. After arriving in the US, he enrolled in Saint Vladimir Seminary, New York, NY and Columbia University, from which he received his theological degree. In 1956, he married the former Alexandra Santiago and was ordained to the Holy Diaconate and Priesthood.
After his ordination he was assigned to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church, Madison, IL. In 1961, he was assigned to Saint Nicholas Church, Salem, MA, which he faithfully served until his retirement and move to New Mexico in 1997.
A man of many talents, Father Voshchullo was fluent in four languages, translated numerous books from Russian into English, and created beautiful carved crosses and other religious and liturgical items.
Father Voshchullo was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years.
Viewing and memorial services were held in Albuquerque on Tuesday, February 3, after which Father Voshchullo’s remains were transferred to Saint Tikhon Monastery, South Canaan, PA, where funeral services and burial will be held on Saturday, February 7.
Father Voshchullo is survived by three children, Adrian Voshchullo, Barrington, RI; Tamara Voshchullo, Albuquerque; and Larissa Spaan, Fort Myers, Florida and seven grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the All Saints Of North America Orthodox Church, C/O Ms. Diane Prokipchak, 7911 Golden Spike Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.
May Father Voshchullo’s memory be eternal!