“Mother passed on to you the most precious treasure — the holy faith”: His Beatitude Sviatoslav to Bishop Yosyf Milan on the passing of his mother
On April 4, Mrs. Stefania Milan, mother of Bishop Yosyf Milan, Protosyncellus of the Kyiv Archeparchy of the UGCC, passed away. His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed his condolences to Bishop Yosyf and the entire family.
“It was with great sadness that I received the news that your mother Stefania went to the eternal reward of our Lord this night. Dear brother in Christ, all the grieving family, please accept my sincere condolences and assurances of prayers for the newly departed,” the Primate wrote in his letter of condolence.
He noted that the Lord had blessed Bishop Yosyf’s mother with long years of hard farm work, which she performed with great love for God, His holy Church and people. “Mrs. Stefania not only preserved the most valuable treasure — the holy faith — but also passed it on to her children, including you, Bishop Yosyf, through the life of a practicing Christian,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized.
The Head of the Church noted that on this day, Mrs. Stefania’s large family, along with a group of priests from the Kyiv Archeparchy, friends and fellow villagers, gathered at the coffin, which is a sign of prayerful gratitude for the gift of her life.
Addressing Bishop Yosyf, His Beatitude Sviatoslav expressed the hope that the merciful Lord today welcomes Ms. Stefania to the heavenly dwelling, the dreams of which she lived. “May the Almighty credit her with all the efforts she made to grow in virtue and, having listened to your filial prayers, accept her into His Heavenly Kingdom,” added the Patriarch.
The Requiem Divine Liturgy with the Funeral Rite will be held on Saturday, April 6, at 11:30 AM in the village of Dobryany, Horodok district, in the Church of St. John the Theologian. Before that, at 11:00, Parastasis will be served at the family home of Mrs. Stefania Milan.
The UGCC Department for Information
