CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – On Bright Tuesday, April 26, funeral services were held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois for the newly departed Archbishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest.
As previously reported, the day began with the vesting of Archbishop Paul and the first memorial service in the cathedral. Later that day, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of All America and Canada arrived to venerate the reposed Archbishop. After veneration, Metropolitan Tikhon and His Grace Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa, Administrator to Chicago and the Midwest, met with the clergy to express their condolences and support during this difficult time.
That evening, the Funeral Service for Bright Week was celebrated by Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America, Bishop Longin of New Gracanica-Midwest America, Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas, 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, and Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth. Clergy from all over the diocese and the local area also joined them in prayer. The choir was led by Philip Sokolov and singers from around the diocese.
The service was beautifully done with a joyful and paschal spirit. Sacred Paschal Hymns were offered and, in many cases, were sung by everyone gathered. Following the service, Metropolitan Tikhon offered a few words and introduced Archpriest John Zdinak, Retired Chancellor of the Midwest. Fr. John shared many moments of his close relationship with Archbishop Paul, but mainly reflect on how he saw the “Beatitudes” being fulfilled in the life of his beloved Archpastor.
The service concluded with the faithful coming to venerate the body. Refreshments were held next door, and vigil was kept all night with the reading of psalms over the Archbishop’s body.
May the Archbishop’s memory be eternal. Christ is risen!
