CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of the Midwest gathered around their reposed Hierarch to say their earthly goodbye on Bright Wednesday, April 27. The service was held at the Diocesan Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois.
The Divine Liturgy was led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America, Archbishop Nathaniel of the Romanian Episcopate, Archbishop Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, Archbishop Michael of New York and New York and New Jersey, Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa, Administrator to the Diocese of the Midwest, and Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth. Clergy from all over the diocese and the local area also joined them in prayer. The choir, led by Philip Sokolov, joyful sang the paschal liturgy.
Metropolitan Tikhon gave the sermon and talked about the various aspects of Archbishop Paul’s ministry within the diocese, the Holy Synod, and as a Spiritual Father. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service was held and the Last Kiss was offered by the clergy and faithful. The bells began to toll and Archbishop Paul was processed out of his cathedral and carried by clergy around the cathedral for a final time, and then his remains left to Michigan.
Participants of the divine services then gathered at a local restaurant – which was one of the Archbishop’s favorite places to eat – where reflections were shared and by Archbishop Peter, and Archpriest Timothy Sawchak. A tribute video was also played which can be viewed here.
Following the lunch, many of those gathered began their pilgrimage to Michigan, which is the Archbishop’s final resting place.
May the Archbishop’s memory be eternal. Christ is risen!
