Metropolitan Borys Expresses Condolences to the Basilian Sisters on the Passing of Three Sisters
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak led a Parastas for Sister Genevieve Kotyk, OSBM, at the Holy Trinity Chapel in the Basilian Motherhouse in Fox Chase, PA. On behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia and our Metropolia, he expressed his condolences on the passing of Mother Maria Rita Zucchetto, Sister Genevieve Kotyk, and Sister Chrysostom Lukiw.
Sister Genevieve Kotyk, OSBM, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at her residence. She was 87. Sister Chrysostom Lukiw, OSBM, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Holy Redeemer Hospital. She was 89. Mother Maria Rita Zucchetto, 84, a nun from the Sacred Heart Contemplative Monastery of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great (OSBM), passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY.
“The loss of three sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great in one week is a natural reason for human sadness, especially for those who shared a common life with the deceased in family and in the religious order,” he wrote in his letter to Sister Joann Sosler, Provincial Superior.
During the Parastas, the Metropolitan emphasized the radical nature of consecrated life: “The religious life is paradoxical. There’s nothing more radical in our culture than when a woman becomes a nun. It’s the most counter-cultural thing that can be done. They make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.”
He assured the sisters present of his solidarity and that of the entire Church in prayer for the departed Sisters. “The Church prays with you, with Sister Maria Rita, and with Sister Chrysostom. I thank all those who have accompanied the Sisters. I ask you, in their name, to forgive them for any sins and failings they may have had. And I know they forgive you,” said the Metropolitan.
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