CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – As chair of the Orthodox Church in America’s Canonization Commission, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, has a unique perspective on the glorification of Saint Olga of Kwethluk this past summer. On a late January evening, he shared that perspective with clergy wives of the Midwest Diocese in a Zoom presentation.
His Eminence first paid tribute to Achpriest Michael Oleksa of blessed memory, who knew Matushka Olga well and saw her remarkable life up close. Fr. Michael introduced her to people in the lower 48 states and was an early advocate for considering her glorification,
About five years ago the decision was made to begin the process of possible glorification. The next essential step was to speak with Matushka’s relatives and friends. How was she seen by the members of the faith community in which she lived and worshipped? How was her holiness recognized among them? Archbishop Daniel traveled many miles to interview people about her. From their descriptions of her extraordinary kindness and self-sacrifice, as well as miracles related to her, one thing became clear: she had lived the life of the Kingdom in God’s presence.
Archbishop Daniel wrote the decree that was agreed to by the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops. (He read it aloud to the wives.) Then began the intensive planning and labor for the actual event of the glorification. The joyous culmination of all that effort came at the point in the Vigil Service when the petitions changed from praying for Matushka Olga to asking Saint Olga to pray for us.
Poverty, widespread alcoholism and households suffering from abuse surrounded Saint Olga every day of her life. Yet she found ways to encourage, heal, and literally feed so many that countless people saw her as their mother.
We needn’t do great things or complicate our lives, Archbishop Daniel reminded the wives in answer to a question following his talk. Matushka Olga is an example of how simple things can be means of leading us to the Kingdom of God.
The video recording of the zoom event is available by request. Please submit your request by sending an email to stolga@domoca.org.
