On Great Monday, April 10, the clergy and faithful gathered in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City to bid farewell to the newly reposed Archdeacon Eugene Burbelo. For many years, Fr. Eugene served as the Primatial Archdeacon, and had served as a deacon since 1955, when he was ordained by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Anastassy (Gribanovsky; +1965).

Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York served the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in the Cathedral, co-served by Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, the cathedral’s senior priest Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Eastern American Diocesan secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov, and local clergy:

-          Hieromonk Eutychius (Dovganyuk; cathedral cleric)

-          Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral in Howell, NJ)

-          Protodeacon Paul Wolkow (cleric of St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY)

-          Protodeacon Vadim Gan (cathedral cleric)

-          Protodeacon Dimitry Temidis (cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY)

-          Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY)

-          Protodeacon Eugene Kallaur (cleric of St. Seraphim Memorial Church)

-          Protodeacon Leonid Roschko (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral)

-          Protodeacon Dionysius Lvov (cathedral cleric).

Upon completion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion led the funeral service, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy, as well as by Archbishop Peter of Chicago & Mid-America, Archpriests Serafim Gan (Chancellor of the Synod of Bishops) and Alexandre Antchoutine (dean of Long Island & the Hudson Valley), and Protodeacons Joseph Jarostchuk (cleric of St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY), Victor Lochmatow (cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY), Alexander Jarostchuk (cleric of Holy Epiphany Church in Boston, MA), and Vladimir Barros (cleric of Holy Virgin Intercession Church in Glen Cove, NY). Also praying in Church was Archpriest Mark Burachek (rector of Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ).

As reported by the official website of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion delivered the eulogy, in which he noted the loyalty and devoted love and piety with which the late clergymen performed his many years of service, which began under Metropolitan Anastassy… He pointed out the self-discipline and fine example Fr. Eugene had provided not only in church but in daily life, emulating his spiritual father, Archimandrite Gelassy (Mayboroda). Protodeacon Joseph Jarostchuk then spoke on behalf of the diaconate, remembering Fr. Eugene’s kindness, generosity, and profound faith.

Almost all of the clergy present benefitted from the experience and counsel of the long-time archdeacon, and they remembered his wise words and kind advice with joy and tears in their eyes. All those present offered their condolences to Matushka Claudia and Fr. Eugene’s children and grandchildren.

Upon completion of the funeral, worshippers made for nearby Novo-Diveevo Cemetery, where the Fr. Eugene’s burial was held. A memorial repast was offered at nearby Otrada Russian Center, which also displayed a small exhibit on his life and service.

Memory eternal to the newly departed Archdeacon Eugene!