Father Thomas Hopko on the occasion of our wedding. He wore white also for weddings.
Live streaming funerals were once only a suggestion I gave to people who could not travel far distances to be at a funeral. I had no real experience with live streaming of funerals until this week when I was only able to attend a funeral through live feed. Last week someone dear to me, as he was to so man people, died. He guided me in seminary and we had had a few very life changing conversations. He was also the priest who blessed our marriage. He was loved by hundreds and thousands because of his preaching and good words. He was a master storyteller and as his podcast title stated, he spoke the truth in love. He will be much missed and greatly loved for a very long time. His name is Father Thomas Hopko.
The night before the funeral, I watched the Panikhida, a service of prayers. I heard the message from Mother Christophora which as poignant and moving. The next day, I told my children that I had reserved the computer for Fr. Tom’s funeral, so they could watch with me or not. They both came in and out of the office that morning watching and asking questions. The service was beautiful and lengthy. I was booted off the feeds a few times, but when thousands of people want to attend a funeral, then you might expect to get booted off the server once or twice. My favourite address was given by his son. I will carry that with me a long time. I loved the hymns and prayers and was grateful that I could attend, even if only from my humble office in Crystal Lake, IL.
I’ll end with one of my favourite stories as told by Fr. Tom. He went to Armenia one Bright Week, the week following Pascha, because one of his friends was being made a bishop or archbishop. (I wish I could remember this detail.) The Pope and Mother Theresa was there for the occasion so I know it was a big deal. In Bright Week, everything is white, so Fr. Tom was wearing his white cassock as he walked to the church. He made a wrong turn and the crowd who was waiting for the Pope roared and applauded. He just waved and walked on.
The night before the funeral, I watched the Panikhida, a service of prayers. I heard the message from Mother Christophora which as poignant and moving. The next day, I told my children that I had reserved the computer for Fr. Tom’s funeral, so they could watch with me or not. They both came in and out of the office that morning watching and asking questions. The service was beautiful and lengthy. I was booted off the feeds a few times, but when thousands of people want to attend a funeral, then you might expect to get booted off the server once or twice. My favourite address was given by his son. I will carry that with me a long time. I loved the hymns and prayers and was grateful that I could attend, even if only from my humble office in Crystal Lake, IL.
I’ll end with one of my favourite stories as told by Fr. Tom. He went to Armenia one Bright Week, the week following Pascha, because one of his friends was being made a bishop or archbishop. (I wish I could remember this detail.) The Pope and Mother Theresa was there for the occasion so I know it was a big deal. In Bright Week, everything is white, so Fr. Tom was wearing his white cassock as he walked to the church. He made a wrong turn and the crowd who was waiting for the Pope roared and applauded. He just waved and walked on.
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