On Tuesday, September 2, the clergy and faithful of St. Nicholas Church in Palm Coast (Bunnell), FL commemorated Deacon Lev Opie on the 40th day of his repose. Below are several reminiscences of Fr. Lev and his dedicated service to Christ’s Holy Church.

Fr. Deacon Lev served our Lord without wavering – nonstop. Over a decade, most of our time in this world together, we were before the Holy Table. As I write on the feast of Transfiguration, the words of St. Peter knock at the heart – "Lord, it is good for us to be here" (Matthew 17:4). Truly, it was a blessing to share the most sacred moments of our lives and to witness Father Lev’s podvig (Rus.: heroic spiritual effort). To Fr. Lev, the divine service really was the center of life. Nothing could stop him from coming.

Always arriving for divine services early, no matter the over-an-hour distance, or a hurricane, in sickness and in health, Fr. Lev continued in his remarkably composed and royal demeanor. His name means "lion." He was calm and watchful, keeping peace, guarding God’s treasure. He did not command anyone, but was in control of himself and his purpose. He was a great guide to our clergy, to me, and to the altar servers. He was the loving patriarch of his family and a humble man of the cloth. He was true to that title in every way, church or work.

When Fr. Lev lost his leg, he never stopped walking toward the Chalice and refused to give up and never lost faith. Our Lord strengthened and restored him. For many years after recovery, he continued walking the path, regardless of any limitation. The word martyr means "witness." He endured many pains without a single complaint. I never heard him judge anyone or raise his voice, other than the service readings. Father witnessed with his life, and as I will always remember walking behind him out of the deacon’s door at the Great Entrance, his southern intelligentsia pronunciation still ringing like a mission bell, waking us at St. Nicholas, leading by his example.

Fr. Lev absolutely loved Church Slavonic. He learned it and served in it, constantly setting another example for the catechumens and new converts, always doing a litany or three. Father was a man of a few words, and there was definitely one favorite he continuously brought up in Russian… "spokoiny" (calm, quiet). He always appreciated and emphasized the importance of things being peaceful in the Church. He treasured that Peace of God. He received it and freely gave it away as he carried his cross in faith, offering the true sacrifice of the treasure of his heart. May his soul rest with the saints!

Priest Vladimir Kaydanov, rector

While I had heard about Fr. Lev, I never met him until I started serving at our St. Nicholas parish, maybe ten years ago. I had a very good impression and feeling about him as a deacon and person. We served many, many Divine Liturgies together. He had a quiet and steady presence, a quiet joy and brightness of soul. As I stated at Fr. Lev’s funeral, "he was a deacon’s deacon." He knew what and how to serve. We would check with him about certain readings and rubrics. He was always prepared, which showed his love for the Church and his dedication and love for our Savior. We knew we could depend on him. He helped keep us focused, but never drew attention to himself. To this day, I miss him serving with us. God willing, we will have deacons, but no Fr. Lev, a deacon’s deacon. May his memory be eternal and spirit continue to guide us!

Priest Theodore Stavru

About nine years ago, I was relocating to Daytona Beach, Florida, for my job. At that time, I was serving as a deacon at a small mission parish in Kissimmee. I called Fr. Constantine, a dear friend, [asking] if he knew of a good parish that I could transfer to that would be close to Daytona Beach. He gave me Fr. Lev’s phone number. Little did I know that first phone call would be the start of a cherished friendship. Fr. Lev invited me to St. Nicholas Church in Palm Coast and took me under his wing. He was my mentor, older brother, and friend. My best memories of serving as a deacon were when I was serving with him at St. Nicholas. When I told Fr. Lev that I was ready to leave for Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, he was happy for me and very supportive. I talked with Fr. Lev over the phone about a week before he fell asleep in the Lord. The last thing he told me was "You were a great help to me here, but you are a bigger help to me up there." May the Lord God remember Fr. Lev in His Kingdom and may his memory be eternal!

Hierodeacon Joseph (Kern; formerly Deacon John)

Fitzhugh Lee Opie

Deacon Lev, born Fitzhugh Lee Opie, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Baymeadows on July 25. He was 68 years old.

Fitzhugh Lee Opie was born in Alexandria, Virginia on May 19, 1957, the eldest son of Fitzhugh Lee Rhea Opie and Mary Laurence (Jones) Opie. Alongside his brothers John and George, he was born in the Old Confederate Hospital. He grew up in Alexandria, and was a descendant of General Fitzhugh Lee, whose lineage brought great pride to Virginia. He graduated from Bishop Ireton High School in 1975 and attended George Mason University as an English Major.

During his time in school, Fitz started a lifelong career in clothing sales, a career which led him to meet his future wife, Elizabeth Estrada. Their love quickly blossomed into 51 years of steadfast dedication.

As a young man, Fitz’s beloved uncle, Byzantine Art History Professor John Lindsay Opie, came for a visit to America from Italy. His uncle needing a ride to an Orthodox Church, Fitz took him to Divine Liturgy and was illuminated by the presence of God. Thus started his catechumenate in the Orthodox Faith, which ultimately led to his conversion on his wedding day in 1984 by Fr. Paul Harrilchak, beginning his journey from Lee to Lev.

After marrying his wife, his career took them to Atlanta, where they found a parish home in St. Mary of Egypt Church. During their time in Georgia, Lev started as a reader, later becoming a subdeacon. He served as a subdeacon through another move to Orlando, and later to Jacksonville at various parishes. His move to Jacksonville in 1998 began his career with Rosenblum’s, working for them as a customs specialist. Through his years of service, he touched many lives in the Jacksonville community. He loved Rosenblum's team, and his customers, as family. Being totally devoted in all things, he truly was a man of the cloth.

While in Jacksonville, he struggled to find a church. Through a mutual need, he met other Orthodox Christians in Palm Coast, eager to start a church. Through continued prayer and dedication, their good works came to pass with the formation of St. Nicholas Church in 2000.

In 2008, he was ordained to the diaconate by Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral; +2022). Over the last 17 years, the parish flourished into a strong community. His departure has left the Church feeling a great loss, but also a great joy in that he is with our Lord in the Great Kingdom of Heaven, and we now have a great intercessor for our souls. We take comfort that he is with his father, mother, brother George Opie, and the saints.

He is survived by his wife, [Matushka] Elizabeth; his daughter, Mary Smiley and her husband, Andrew; his dearly beloved granddaughter, Eleanor Smiley, and a grandson, Fitzhugh, on the way. He is also survived by his brother, John N. Opie of Arlington, Virginia, his nephew Liam Opie and wife Gabrielle Opie of Harrison, Maine, grandnephew Liam Laurence Opie, and other relatives across America and Europe. Memory Eternal!

Masha Smiley (née Opie)