JOHNSTOWN, PA -- Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Diocesan Chancellor, offered  the Panachida Service today following the Holy Thursday Vesperal Liturgy at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in rememberence of the Fortieth Day of Repose of +Metropolitan Nicholas.  The Panachida service was offered in all parishes of the diocese as well.

Fr. Robert Lucas, a seminary classmate of His Eminence, recently penned  the following reflection which we share with you now:

At the interment of my mother, +Anna, in 1989, His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas insisted that we sing one of the folk hymns taken as the grave-site was being filled among our European forbears, entitles O Smerte Okrutna.  Although he was aware it was never sung at the interment obsequities of the ordained, he was so immersed in the soul and wisdom of our ancestors and associated himself with it, he asked me then if I outlived him, to be certain I sang it at his burial.

Circumstances were such that his request could not be fulfilled on that day. Our family afterwards visited his grave and celebrated a Memorial Service and then sang this folk hymn.  I have translated it into English here.  May the merciful Lord comfort and strengthen his family and loved ones in their loss and create for the soul of + Metropolitan Nicholas blessed repose and Eternal Memory!

View Video of  Panachida Service at Christ the Saviour Cathedral

View Photo/Video Tribute to Metropolitan Nicholas Here