With faith and hope in the Resurrection, we mourn the unexpected repose of Deacon Christopher Meholick, a longtime and beloved friend and supporter of our parish. He was 65.
The brother of our dean and soon-to-be Priest-in-Charge, Fr. Mark Meholick, Deacon Christopher frequently visited our churches in Irvona and Madera with his beloved wife, Matushka Kira. We will especially remember his deep love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as his gift for music. Whether serving in the Church or entertaining others with his band, Onion Station, he brought joy wherever he went, including at our annual parish picnic.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 301 S. State St., DuBois, the parish to which he was attached and served faithfully. A Panikhida will be chanted at 7:30 p.m. at the conclusion of the evening visitation. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 30, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church with numerous clergy of the Archdiocese of Western Pennsylvania officiating, including Fr. Alexander.
Here at Ss. Mary and Michael Orthodox Parish, a Panikhida will be served on Saturday, June 27, at 5:30 p.m. in Madera, immediately before Great Vespers.
Because of the funeral arrangements, our planned Vesperal Divine Liturgy for the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles on Monday evening has been canceled. Fr. Alexander sincerely thanks everyone who had planned to attend and asks that our prayers and support instead be directed toward our dear brother in Christ, Matushka Kira, Fr. Mark, and the entire Meholick family.
Even when Christians are separated for a time by death, the Church remains one in Christ. The faithful on earth and the saints in heaven are united in worship before the one heavenly altar, where we continue to offer “ourselves and each other and all our life unto Christ our God.”
May Deacon Christopher’s memory be eternal!