On November 11th, following the celebraition of the Divine Liturgy at the 15th All American Council of the OCA in PIttsburgh, PA, our friend, former pastor and confessor, Archpriest Stephen Karaffa, reposed suddenly from a heart attack.

We remember Father Stephen with great love and affection and we will miss him very much. Many people from this parish have kept in very regular contact with Fr. Stephen and his wife, Matushka Gayle, ever since they left St. John's over five years ago.  This news is a shock and a tremendous sadness for all of us, but our hope is in the Lord Jesus Chist and we pray with joy that Father Stephen's memory will be eternal.

We will celebrate a panikhida service for Father Stephen this Sunday (Nov 16th) following Divine LIturgy, as well as on his 40th day, December 21st. May God grant Matushka Gayle and their children many years, and may they find comfort in the love of friends and each other as they struggle to get through this most difficult time of mourning.

With the saints give rest, O Lord, to the soul of thy servant, the Archpriest Stephen, and make his memory to be eternal!

Funeral services have been announced as follows:

Fri, Nov. 14: At Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, Burr Ridge, IL
                  Viewing 3-7 PM
                   Burial Service 7PM
Sat. Nov. 15: At Sts Peter & Paul
                    Divine Liturgy 10 AM

Mon. Nov. 17: At St. Tikhon's Monastery Church, S. Canaan, PA
                    Viewing 9-11 AM
                    Parastas 11 AM
                    Interment at St. Tikhon's Cemetery immediately following