Memory Eternal!

My pious and God-loving grandmother Julia enterned into eternal life this morning at the age of 101.  She was the 6th of 8 children, but the first in her family to be born in the United States.  She and her pious husband John (d.1983) raised two children of their own, my mother and my uncle who himself entered into eternal life in 2010.

Julia was a tremendous cook and baker who faithfully served her home parish of Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Christian Church in Syracuse, NY with these talents until her early 90's when she began to slow down a bit.  She loved Our Lord Jesus and always spoke about "Our Lord this" and "Our Lord that" as if she knew Him quite closely (which she did!).  She loved all Christians but expressed to me once that she wished everyone would come to the Orthodox Church because of the beauty of the worship and that the expression of love to our Lord Jesus could not be found in any other place on earth.  About 8-9 years ago while she was still living in the home that my grandfather built, I accidently walked in on her saying her morning prayers.  Although a little bit hunched over, her arms were uplifted as high as she could as she stood praying.  I felt like I had walked into a private conversation and so I hurriedly backed out of the room and sat in awe.  I am unworthy to have had such a magnificent handmaiden of God as my grandmother.  To say that I feel blessed is an understatement. 

We love you Grandma.  What a joyous day to have been greeted by Our Saviour, His Mother, your parents, your husband, your seven siblings and your own son.  May your memory be eternal!

The following video was her favorite hymn.  It is from Psalm 77.  I can close my eyes and hear her singing this in her kitchen.