On Sunday evening of August 18, the community of St. John the Baptist Church in Canonsburg invited faithful from around the Archdiocese to join them as remember the passing of Matushka Annice Oleynik. Matushka had passed away suddenly and unexpectantly in their distant Maryland home; her funeral service was held in their parish community there, so many of us here in western PA who knew and loved her were unable to attend. The parish of St John's graciously invited all to join them as they prayed and remembered her.

Clergy and laity from the far reaches of the diocese to join Father Joseph and family to serve the 40-day panakhida for her in the parish that was her home for nearly 40 years. Orthodox tradition teaches us to gather together regularly to pray for those who have passed on before us, 3-day, 40-day, annually, as well as specified Saturdays throughout the year.

Following the service, Father Joseph shared a few words with those gathered, giving his thanks to God for sharing Matushka, always in every way a child of God, with us.