Christ the Savior Orthodox Church
Berlin, Maryland
On behalf of the Holy Synod of Bishops, I extend the heartfelt condolences and sincere prayers of the entire Orthodox Church in America to Matushka Evdokia and to the family, friends, and brother clergy of the newly departed Protopresbyter Daniel. Father Daniel was a towering figure within the Orthodox Church in America, not because he imposed himself on others with administrative directives and orders, but because he stood tall with the strength of humility and the heart of a good and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Father Daniel founded, pastored, built, and renovated missions and churches; he was a member of the delegation that received the Tomos of Autocephaly; he served consecutively, and even at times simultaneously, in the positions of Chancellor, Secretary, and Treasurer; and he established and served as the first representative for Saint Catherine’s Podvorie in Moscow. To all of these important and exalted positions, Father Daniel brought the wisdom and experience of a seasoned priest and the gentle shepherd of his flock. Where others would have been distracted by fame and notoriety, Father Daniel preserved the kindness and longsuffering of a genuine Christ-like leader.
It is fitting that his funeral services are held here, in Christ the Savior Orthodox Church, which Father Daniel and Matushka Dunya established as a mission community. They surrounded themselves with good and dedicated people, many of whom are now pillars of this community, and by the prayers and labors of Father Daniel’s leadership, the community blossomed. It has continued to blossom even in his years of retirement. Father Daniel has made himself available as a mentor and friend to the current rector, Father John Parsells, and has remained as an example of stability and experience for the faithful of this community. All of this Father Daniel provided with his usual grace and dignity.
And so, in addition to the family and friends of the newly departed Protoprebyter Daniel, I also offer condolences and encouragement to Matushka Dunya as a distinguished member of Christ the Savior Church, to Father John Parsells, and to the leadership and members of this sacred community. May what Father Daniel has planted continue to grow and expand to the glory of God. And may he, as a consolation for his tireless labors, now find eternal rest in the mansions of heaven, where there is neither sighing nor sorrow, but life everlasting.