Source: Orthodox Church in America
WASHINGTON, DC [OCA]
The Funeral of Laurie Paffhausen, the younger sister and only sibling of His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah, will be celebrated at Saint Nicholas Cathedral here on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. The Divine Liturgy, followed by the Litia and interment at Rock Creek Cemetery, will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 21—the Great Feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God in the Temple—at 10:00 a.m.
Miss Paffhausen fell asleep in the Lord in hospital after a lengthy illness on Sunday morning, November 18.
On behalf of the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon sent condolences to Metropolitan Jonah and his family. The text reads as follows.
“Your Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah, Dear Brother in Christ,
“It is with deep sadness, yet firm hope in the Resurrection, that we extend our heartfelt prayers and thoughts upon learning of the untimely repose of your sister, Laurie, on Sunday, November 18, 2012.
“Surely the death of a sibling—especially one with whom one has a close bond—is always a tragedy. And yet, in the midst of mourning, we can take comfort in our Lord’s presence and promise of eternal life. Laurie’s recent reception into the Church also offers a measure of consolation, that indeed her soul abides “where there is neither sickness, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting.”
“Please be assured of our brotherly prayers for Laurie’s repose, as well as for the comfort of you and your parents, at this sorrowful time. May her memory be eternal, and may the Kingdom of God, yet to be fully revealed but already fully present in our midst, consume her—and all of us—as she passes ‘from life to life.’
“Sincerely yours in the risen Christ,
“+ Metropolitan Tikhon and the brothers of the Holy Synod with me.”
Donations in her memory may be sent to Holy Archangels Foundation, 3027 Foxhall Road NW, Washington, DC 20016.
May her memory be eternal!