Chicago, November 20, 2024
Photo: chicagodiocese.org
His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia reposed in the Lord on November 8.
And on November 16, the ROCOR First Hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of New York and Eastern America, served his funeral in Chicago, reports the ROCOR press service.
Daily Liturgies for the repose of Abp. Peter’s soul will be served in parishes throughout the diocese until the 40th day of his repose on December 17.
The clergy and faithful of the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Chicago greeted the coffin with their archbishop’s body on Friday, November 15, after which the clergy served a memorial parastas. Then Met. Nicholas spoke to the congregation, emphasizing that Abp. Peter’s legacy included his personal experience of and devotion to St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco’s teachings, which he passed on to his flock. He encouraged everyone to remember Abp. Peter in their prayers with gratitude. The Metropolitan then served a memorial litiya at the coffin alongside His Grace Bishop John of Caracas and South America, His Grace Bishop James of Sonora, Fr. Gregory Joyce, and Archpriest Valery Vovkovsky.
Photo: chicagodiocese.org
The wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, the protectress of the Russian diaspora, was also present in the church.
The next morning, Met. Nicholas celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with local and visiting clergy who knew Abp. Peter. His Eminence Archbishop Longin of New Gračanica and Chicago (Serbian Orthodox Church), His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest (Orthodox Church of America) and His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Kostajnica (Serbian Orthodox Church), and other representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches were present for the service.
Four chalices were needed to commune all the faithful.
Then all the gathered hierarchs and clergy served the funeral for the newly departed Abp. Peter.
Then a memorial luncheon was served, during which condolences from primates and representatives of the Local Churches were read. Everyone then returned to the church, where Met. Nicholas read the prayer of absolution over the Archbishop, after which a procession was held around the cathedral.
Then the coffin with the body of Abp. Peter was driven to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, where he is to be buried.
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