“We believe now you have gained another heavenly intercessor” — Head of the UGCC to Bishop Stepan Sus on the passing of his father
On February 8, in the village of Chyshky in the Lviv region, the Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, presided over a memorial service for Yaroslav Sus at the house of the deceased. The Head of the Church expressed his brotherly condolences to Bishop Stepan Sus and the entire grieving family and assured them of his prayers for the newly departed.
In his letter of condolence to Bishop Stepan, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that the father was a man who, through his life, revealed the image of the Heavenly Father to his family, especially to his son, the bishop.
“He taught you about life. His words and teachings will remain with you forever. However, the most important thing he did for you was to imbue you with love for God, for His holy Church,” the head of the UGCC addressed Bishop Stepan. “He exemplified this lesson by his own life and how he ended his earthly journey. On his deathbed, Mr. Yaroslav received the Sacraments of Confession and Communion — God’s gift to his immortal soul and a pledge of eternal heavenly blessings. It is the fruit of answered prayers for you and the whole family.”
The Primate assured that he is asking the Lord Jesus Christ, before whom Mr. Yaroslav already stands, to grant him repose and bring comfort to his grieving family as he gives an account of his life.
“We believe that you have now gained another heavenly intercessor who, now stands before the throne of God, will ask for mercy for his family and our suffering Ukraine and Church. We have sincere faith that the Most Holy Theotokos, whom he deeply honored in his prayers with the rosary, will bring him to her Son and our Savior Jesus Christ today,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized.
The Patriarch reminded the family of the words of consolation from the Holy Scriptures: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even though he dies” (John 11:24). In these words, he remarked, our Jesus Christ comforts the family that has lost a dear person. He is the Life and the One who grants eternal life.
“We commend the soul of the newly departed servant of God Yaroslav into the hands of God’s infinite mercy and say with faith: ‘Grant unspeakable glory of Your likeness, O Christ, to him who has passed to You, where the dwelling place of those who rejoice is and the voice of pure joy,’” the Head of the Church added in conclusion.
Mr. Yaroslav Sus, who passed away at the age of 70, will be buried tomorrow, February 9, in the village of Chyshky, Davydiv district, Lviv region. The funeral will begin at 12:00.
The UGCC Department for Information
