Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) (1933-2020)

Theodosius may be spelt Theodosios, Feodosiy.

Theodore may be spelt Feodor, Fyodor, Fedor, Todor, Tudor.

Early life of Frank Theodore Lazor

On 27 October, 1933, Frank Theodore Lazor was born to John and Mary Lazor in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

His parents had emigrated from Galicia, in what is today the southeastern corner of Poland. It is the opinion of some that his family belongs to the Lemko people.

Regardless, Frank Lazor was raised within the Orthodox Christian Faith. He was a regular and frequent attendee at services in the local Temple of Saint John the Baptist in Canonsburg.

Saint John the Baptist Temple, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania

Frank Theodore became an Altar-server when he was of sufficient age.

As Altar-server

He was influenced in a very positive manner by his parish pastor, Father Basil Horsky, who served in the parish 1934-1948. His close cousin, Paul Lazor, grew up in the same parish under similar formation, and he likewise served the Church in adulthood. This nurturing Orthodox Christian community was and is a part of the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America (ROGCCNA), now Orthodox Church in America (OCA).

His cousin (Archpriest Paul Lazor) much later wrote about Frank Theodore :

 My earliest remembrances of being in church are connected with him.  He was always in church ! 
 From my earliest age of serving as an altar boy (age 5), he was always there.  His life of 
 fidelity to the Church always stood out as a point of reference for me.

Frank completed his primary and secondary education in Canonsburg. He attended Canonsburg High School where he was Student Council President, and he completed these studies in 1953.

Young Frank Theodore

Higher education

Frank T Lazor worked in a local mill, which provided him with the funds to continue his education.

He entered and completed a programme of undergraduate studies at the Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania. During the course of his studies, he served as the Recording Secretary of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, which focuses on Leadership Development. He graduated in 1957.

At graduation

After his graduation, Theodore enrolled in Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, in New York City (at that time renting limited space from Columbia University at Reed House, 537 West 121st Street, at 121st Street and Broadway). In this case, his father was not pleased (not every parent wishes a child to become a priest), but his mother was very pleased.

As a part of his obedience as a student, Frank Theodore sang in the choir ; and, as did all students, he performed other duties towards the maintenance of the quarters in which the seminary existed in New York City. In the course of the year (especially in Great Lent), representatives of the seminary choir would travel to various parishes. These visits raised money for the seminary, and they forged ties of Christian love between the parishes and the seminary. The parishes supported the seminary, and the seminary prepared the clergy who would in the future serve them. It was not unusual that a seminarian would preach (not only in the seminary chapel, but also during parish visits), and Frank Theodore took his turns.

Professor Verhovskoy with Father Schmemann and the Saint Vladimir Seminary Choir at Old Forge, Pennsylvania, 15 March, 1959

Photo from “The Scranton Times”. First row from L to R : Deacon N Pavlovich, Rev R V Philipos, Rev P Sayama, N Ozerov, the Very Rev A Schmemann, Prof. Serge Verhovskoy, Deacon E Hanna, Deacon B Nagosky, Rev P Bankerovich. Theodore Lazor is in the middle row.

Upon his graduation from Saint Vladimir's Seminary in 1960, he received a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree.

His graduation was several years before the seminary moved to its new site in Crestwood, in Yonkers, New York.

Saint Vladimir's Seminary in Crestwood (recent portrayal)

Theodore Lazor then spent the next year pursuing additional studies at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland (near Geneva).

Bossey Institute, Switzerland

During the course of his studies, he made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and he visited Orthodox Christian centres throughout Europe and the Middle East.

Monastic tonsure, 1961

Upon returning to the USA in 1961, Frank Theodore Lazor was tonsured to be a monk on 10 October, 1961, at Saint Sergius Chapel in Oyster Bay Cove, New York by Archbishop Ireney (Bekish) of Boston and New England (with the blessing of Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)). He was given the name Theodosius (after Saint Theodosius of Chernigov).

Diaconal ordination, 1961

On 14 October, 1961, the Monk Theodosius (Lazor) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in New York City by Bishop Kiprian (Borisevich) of Washington DC (with the blessing of Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)).

Presbyteral ordination, 1961

On 22 October, 1961, the Hierodeacon Theodosius (Lazor) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at Saint Gregory’s Orthodox Church in Homestead, Pennsylvania, by Archbishop Benjamin (Basalyga) of Pittsburgh and West Virginia (with the blessing of Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)).

Pastoral service

Hieromonk Theodosius (Lazor) was assigned to serve as the Rector of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church in Madison, Illinois.

Nativity of the Virgin Mary Temple, Madison, Illinois

At the same time, he served as an assistant military chaplain. He served thus until 1966.

During the time of his pastorate at the Holy Virgin Mary parish, Hieromonk Theodosius instituted a building programme. First, the parishioners purchased more property, and then they constructed a new Temple next to the existing edifice. The Holy Table and Temple were sanctified in 1965 by Archbishop John (Garklavs) of Chicago. Father Alexander Schmemann was the guest speaker during the celebration.

Archbishop John (Garklavs) and the Icon Theotokos of Tikhvin at Madison

In 1967, the Hieromonk Theodosius (Lazor) was chosen and elected by the Great Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America (also called the "Metropolia") to become a bishop.

Hieromonk Theodosius (Lazor) was then elevated to the dignity of igumen, and then to the dignity of archimandrite.

Episcopal ordination, 1967

On 6 May, 1967, Archimandrite Theodosius was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by members of the Great Council of Bishops, and other bishops.

Episcopal service

Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) was given the title Bishop of Washington, DC, and Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of New York.

At the beginning, he served as an assistant to Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish).

Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish), Bishop Theodosius (Lazor)

On 1 June, 1967, Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) was assigned to be the administrator of the Diocese of Alaska.

Bishop of Sitka and Alaska, 1967

On 17 November, 1967, the Great Council of Bishops chose him to be the Diocesan Bishop of Sitka and Alaska.

Soon afterwards, Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) was enthroned as the Bishop of Sitka and Alaska in the city of Sitka.

His residence at that time was in Sitka, and during his time of service in Alaska, he supervised the rebuilding of the historic Cathedral of the Archangel Michael in Sitka, Alaska, which had been destroyed by fire in 1966 (the original building had been constructed by Saint Innocent (Veniaminov) in the 1840s).

Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral, Sitka (constructed by Saint Innocent, rebuilt after fire)

Bishop Theodosius was responsible further for directing the renovation of the nearby Bishop’s House, which had been built by Saint Innocent (Veniaminov). The Bishop's House still stands today, thanks to this renovation, and to the agreement with the government of the State of Alaska for its maintenance as an historic site.

The Bishop's House, Sitka, constructed by Saint Innocent, renovated under Bishop Theodosius

Bishop Theodosius initiated regional deanery conferences throughout the diocese, and he encouraged the establishment of a variety of educational programmes and conferences. These regional conferences greatly nurtured and nourished the life of the Orthodox Christians in Alaska (the great majority of whom consisted of various Indigenous Peoples) during the following decades.

It is not by any means the case that every bishop is adopted into an indigenous clan, but such was the case with Bishop Theodosius. This had much to do with his down-to-earth, loving and Christian personality. He did not “lord it over” the people. He ate the same food as did they, and he stayed in their homes as he visited.

Tomos of Autocephaly, 1970

In May, 1970, as the Bishop of Alaska, Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) was assigned to lead the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America (ROGCCNA), which travelled to Moscow (then in the USSR) to receive the Tomos (document of proclamation) of Autocephaly from the Russian Orthodox Church. The Tomos gave the official name, “The Orthodox Church in America”, and it guaranteed the right of self-governance for The Orthodox Church in America.

He received the Tomos from the hands of Metropolitan Pimen (Izvekov), who was at that time the Locum-tenens of the Patriarchal See (following the repose of Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky), who had signed the document before he fell asleep in the Lord.

Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) receives the Tomos of Autocephaly in May, 1970

Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) gives the official response to the granting of autocephaly

Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) serves at Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra

Glorification of Saint Herman of Alaska, August, 1970

Shortly thereafter, on 8-9 August, 1970, Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) hosted the ceremonies in Alaska marking the glorification (canonisation) of one of the original Orthodox missionaries to Alaska, the well-known and well-beloved Elder Herman of Alaska.

This event was significant in part because it was the first time a North American had been entered into the Orthodox calendar of saints.

Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish) presided at the services of the Glorification. Archbishop Paul (Olmari) of Finland was the honoured guest of The Orthodox Church in America. Archbishop Paul had himself been a monk of Valaam Monastery at Lake Ladoga, and the New Valamo Monastery (Valaam Monastery had been evacuated to central Finland in 1940) was in his diocese in Finland. It was from Valaam Monastery that Saint Herman and other missionaries had been sent to Russian-America as missionaries.

Abord a ferry with Archbishop Paul (Olmari)

Transfer of the Holy Relics from Spruce Island to Kodiak

Primatial Divine Liturgy during the Glorification of Saint Herman of Alaska

Archbishop Paul (Olmari) of Kuopio and All Finland ; Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish) of New York and All America ; Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) of Sitka and Alaska, serving in Holy Resurrection Sobor, Kodiak

Glorification of Saint Herman of Alaska

Procession with the Relics of Saint Herman

Although he was not a part of the actual foundation (because he was transferred before it could happen), Bishop Theodosius was involved in the discussions which led to the foundation in 1972 by the Diocese of Alaska of the Saint Herman of Alaska Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska.

Bishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, 1972

In 1972, Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) was transferred by Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish) and the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America and assigned to the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.

During his 5-year period of service there, in his “home” region, Bishop Theodosius (Lazor) was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

In addition, Archbishop Theodosius (Lazor) served as Chairman of the Religious Education Department of the Holy Synod's administration of the OCA, and as chairman of the Commission for the Preparation of the IV and V All-American Orthodox Councils.

On 9 March, 1977, Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish) announced that, since his health was deteriorating, he intended to retire on 25 October, 1977, on the first day of the pending 5th All-American Council.

On 25 October, 1977, during the 5th All-American Council in Montréal, Québec, Archbishop Theodosius (Lazor) was chosen to be the next Primate of The Orthodox Church in America. The meetings were held in the Bonaventure Hotel, and the Divine Liturgies were offered at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.

At the time of the election, Vladyka Theodosius received 33 votes in the first round (compared with 278 for the Bishop of Hartford Dmitry (Royster) and 57 for the Archbishop of Philadelphia Kiprian (Borisevich)). In the second round Vladyka Theodosius received 179 votes (compared with 348 for Bishop Dmitry (Royster)). When the Holy Synod of Bishops voted separately, the decision of the Synod was for Vladyka Theodosius (Lazor). This phenomenon has not been unusual at the time of such elections in The Orthodox Church in America, and in her predecessor (the ROGCCNA).

Metropolitan of The Orthodox Church in America, 1977

Archbishop Theodosius (Lazor) was immediately enthroned during the 5th All-American Council as the Archbishop of New York, and Metropolitan of All America and Canada.

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) addresses the 5th Council

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) with the Holy Synod of Bishops, 1977

In this responsibility, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) took up the leadership of the youngest of the world’s 15 Autocephalous (self-governing) Orthodox Churches.

It is noteworthy that Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was the first head of The Orthodox Church in America and its predecessors since 1794 who was born in North America.

Holy Synod photo, Canadian Orthodox Calendar

Seated, front (l-r) : Archbishop Sylvester of Montreal ; Archbishop John of Chicago ; Metropolitan Theodosius ; Archbishop John of San Francisco ; Archbishop Kiprian of Philadelphia

Standing, rear (l-r) : Bishop Herman of Wilkes-Barre ; Bishop Jose of Mexico ; Bishop Kyrill of Toledo ; Archbishop Valerian of Detroit ; Bishop Dmitri of Hartford ; Bishop Gregory of Sitka ; Bishop Ioasaph of Edmonton

Primatial service

Holy Myrrh-bearers Monastery, 1977

In 1977, the Monastery of the Holy Myrrh-bearers was founded. The nuns (who had already had years of monastic experience as Episcopalians before their entrance into the Orthodox Christian Church) were taken by Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) into the Central Chancellory of The Orthodox Church in America. There, they maintained the household and premises ; they performed office duties, and they maintained regular daily services in the Chapel of Saint Sergius of Radonezh there.

In this nurturing environment, they developed until 1983, when they were able to acquire a property near Otego, New York, where they could continue to live a properly integrated, independent, self-sustaining community monastic life. Besides raising sheep and other animals, they came to sustain their life through various projects such as calligraphy.

OCA Chancery Offices, residence of the primate at Oyster Bay Cove, Long Island, New York

The Seminaries

From the beginning of his primatial responsibilities, Metropolitan Theodosius was a regular visitor at both Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, and Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. In addition to other visits, he was present at each of them at the beginning of the academic year for either the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos (8 September) or the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14 September). He was also present for the graduation ceremonies of each seminary. In addition to these seminaries, he paid close attention to the development of Saint Herman's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska. His visits to Alaska often included the annual commemoration of the Glorification of Saint Herman of Alaska on 9 August.

Bringing out the Holy Cross at Matins

Diocese of Washington, 1981

In 1981, the Holy Synod of Bishops established a new diocese of Washington, DC (it had formerly been a titular see) as the see of the Primate of The Orthodox Church in America. Thus, his title was changed to Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of all America and Canada.

Locum-tenens of the Archdiocese of Canada, 1981

In 1981, with the retirement of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) of Montréal and Canada, Metropolitan Theodosius was given the responsibility of serving as the locum tenens of the Archdiocese of Canada. He held this responsibility in addition to his other duties until 1990.

During his time as locum tenens of the archdiocese, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was particularly attentive to the renewal of proper diocesan structures and organisation in the Canadian archdiocese so that it would be able to function more efficiently. He also helped to galvanise the leadership to increase the financial contributions from the parishes for the support of the diocesan administration.

During a majority of the summers after he became the Primate, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) had a custom of spending up to a week in Québec, in the Summer Parish of Saint Sergius of Radonezh at Lac Labelle. He knew many of the people who had summer homes there, and in particular Serge and Lubov Troubetzkoy.

In 1980, Metropolitan Theodosius had presided at an Archdiocesan Assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The meeting was co-hosted by the parishes of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Winnipeg and Saint Nicholas Church in Narol (not far north of the city).

Metropolitan Theodosius : Archdiocese of Canada Assembly, 1980, with Fathers J Tkachuk, N Boldireff, E Lowig, S Balevich, J Matusiak, O Kriilov

Throughout his time of service as the Primate, Metropolitan Theodosius met with numerous world religious leaders, including the Primates of the various Autocephalous Orthodox Churches. There were occasions in North America on which such meetings could take place from time to time.

General Assembly of the World Council of Churches, Vancouver, British Columbia, 1983

On 24 July to 10 August, 1983, the Third Septennial Assembly of the World Council of Churches was convened in Vancouver. The parishioners of Holy Resurrection Church participated in the worship services of the Orthodox participants, and they gave additional hospitality and support. At the invitation of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA, the delegation from the USSR (including Patriarch Ilia II (Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili), of Georgia, and Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev) of Minsk) concelebrated the Primatial Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Resurrection Temple along with Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) on 31 July. Fourteen other bishops were present, and more than 30 other clergy and assembly delegates. Patriarch Ilia II awarded a gold Altar Cross to Igumen Cyril in memory of this event. Two more Hierarchical Divine Liturgies were served during the assembly. Metropolitan Dorotheos (Filip) of Prague, Czechoslovakia, served along with Bishop Simon (Romańczuk) of Łódź, Poland, and Bishop Seraphim (Sigrist) of Sendai and Eastern Japan also served. Thirty years later, Patriarch Ilya II could still recall with warmth and affection his visit to the Temple of the Holy Resurrection in Vancouver.

1983 : Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) ; Patriarch Ilya II ; Metropolitan Dorotheos

Bishops who visited Holy Resurrection Sobor, 31 July, 1983

Further primatial activities

Reception of New Skete Communities, New York, 1983

In 1983, after a period of conversation and investigation, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) received into the Orthodox Church the 2 monastic communities of New Skete at Cambridge in northern New York State. The previously Roman Catholic male (1963) and female (1969) communities had by that time adopted the way of liturgical worship of the Orthodox Church. The members of the communities tended to be scholarly, and they found ways to maintain their life which were in accordance with their abilities and with the characteristics of American society.

New Skete Monastery, Cambridge, New York

Afterwards, Metropolitan Theodosius visited the community often. Metropolitan Theodosius encouraged the development of other monastic communities in North America, and many developed during the years of his primacy.

Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania

Although the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration (Romanian Episcopate) at Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, had been founded a decade before his primacy, Metropolitan Theodosius visited this community often as well. Its foundress was the Abbess Alexandra (Hapsburg), the former Romanian Princess Ileana.

Metropolitan Theodosius with Mother Alexandra

1986 : Patriarch Ilia II again visits North America

In 1986, Patriarch Ilia II (Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili) again visited North America as a guest of The Orthodox Church in America. During that visit, he was awarded an honourary doctorate by Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York. His degree citation reads : "Dedicated to the spiritual revival of the Georgian people, he presided over the consecration of many bishops, expanded the program of theological education, initiated publications, and gained the respect and admiration of many".

Metropolitan Theodosius with Patriarch Ilia II in Georgia

First official visit to Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) of Moscow, 1990

In 1990, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was the first Orthodox primate to be officially invited to visit the Patriarchate of Moscow for greeting the newly-enthroned Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) of Moscow, and making a fraternal visit.

600th Anniversary of the Repose of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in the Moscow Patriarchate, 1992

In 1992, Metropolitan Theodosius was invited to participate in the 600th anniversary celebrations of the repose of Saint Sergius of Radonezh in Moscow and in the Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra in Sergeiev Posad :

Invited by Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) of Moscow, the Primate of the OCA, Metropolitan Theodosius,
paid an official visit to the Russian Orthodox Church 19 September to 9 October, 1992, touring in
Byelorus, Russia and Ukraine and taking part in many of the celebrations marking the 600th anniversary of
the death of Saint Sergius Radonezh. On 20-24 September, he was in Kyiv and Tchernigov. At the side of
Metropolitan Vladimir (Sabodan) of Kyiv, he participated in the millennial celebrations of the founding
of the Diocese of Tchernigov. On 3-4 October he went to Minsk and the Jirovitsy monastery, near Grodno,
where he accompanied Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev) of Minsk in liturgical celebrations.

On 27 September, he concelebrated with Patriarch Aleksey in the Dormition Cathedral in the Kremlin. On
30 September, the 2 Primates presided at the dedication of a church in Klin, near Moscow, recently
restored by the believers, which will bear the name of Saint Tikhon (Belavin) of Moscow. During his
time in Moscow, the metropolitan had discussions with the Russian vice-president, A V Rutzkoi ; he spoke
to Orthodox students at the State University ; he visited Hospital No. 1 and the new Orthodox school of
nursing. At the Vagankovo cemetery he helped place a plaque in memory of Father John Meyendorff.

On 29 September, Metropolitan Theodosius and Patriarch Aleksey held an official meeting with the chairman
of the Foreign Church Relations Department of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Kyrill
(Gundyaev)of Smolensk. There was unanimous agreement concerning the problems facing the Church in the
former soviet bloc. They emphasised their concern regarding the expansionist activities of the Roman
Catholic Church (both the revival of uniatism and the attempts at proselytising) and deplored the
activities of Protestant fundamentalists who are taking advantage of economic and social instability for
their own ends. Of particular concern to them also was the situation in Ukraine where the Church is
suffering both from the violence surrounding the continuing uncanonical activities of monk (formerly
metropolitan) Philaret (Denysenko), and from the violations of normal religious life being carried out by
the civil authorities. Reviewing the situation in Bulgaria, they condemned the schismatic activities of
a small group of hierarchs there and expressed support of Patriarch Maxim. The Primates also reviewed
the issue of the Orthodox diaspora and were in complete agreement with regard to the canonical principles
which must serve as the basis of Church life. Patriarch Aleksey also expressed to Metropolitan Theodosius
deep gratitude for the generous humanitarian aid, as well as the help in developing religious education
and youth work, which the Russian Orthodox Church has received from the North American Orthodox Church
(OCA).

Visits to North America by Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) of Moscow : 1991, 1993

In 1991 and 1993, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) hosted the North American visits of Patriarch Aleksey II. He hosted the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Georgia, Patriarch-Catholicos Ilia II in 1998 ; and in 2000, he hosted the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Poland, Metropolitan Sawa (Hrycuniak) of Warsaw. With all these visits, there was travel to other cities besides New York.

Patriarch Aleksey II and Metropolitan Theodosius

International visits over many years

As a guest of many national and foreign religious leaders, Metropolitan Theodosius travelled to Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, and elsewhere. These visits included formal Fraternal Visits, and visits for meetings. He took part in official dialogues with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, at the Patriarchal headquarters in Istanbul, Turkey.

Moscow : Patriarch Alexey II, Metropolitan Theodosius, Archbishop Alexei (Stepanovich)

Promoting Orthodox Christian unity and service in North America

Metropolitan Theodosius played an active role in inter-Orthodox gatherings, consultations and associations. One such body was the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), of which the OCA was a member. The OCA remains a member of the successor entity, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in North and Central America.

Metropolitan Theodosius was a strong supporter of various inter-Orthodox ministries, including the International Orthodox Christian Charities, the Orthodox Christian Education Commission, and the Orthodox Christian Mission Centre.

He was always a vocal advocate for Orthodox Christian unity in North America. Together with the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America, he participated in the SCOBA-sponsored gathering of North American hierarchs in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, in December, 1994.

It was during Metropolitan Theodosius’ period of service that the OCA’s “ministry units” were established and commissioned in order to make an impact on Church life at the “grass roots” level.

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was a frequent guest at the White House in Washington, DC. He was called upon by Presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton for advice on religious and political affairs in various parts of the world, especially after the fall of communism in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

On 28 September, 1994, Metropolitan Theodosius was the guest of Dr. James Billington at the Library of Congress for the opening of an historical display highlighting the contribution of the Orthodox Church and native Alaskan cultures to North America. During the ceremony, Metropolitan Theodosius was greeted by US President Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

Bishops' Assembly, Ligonier, Pennsylvania, 1994

From 30 November to 2 December, 1994, there was a meeting of 29 Orthodox Christian hierarchs of North America at the "Antiochian Village" centre of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, near Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

When the bishops met together (many of them for the first time), they sat through many sessions and presentations, and they had many unprecedented opportunities to speak with one another (both formally and informally). The assembly was not precisely a "council" or a "synod" as such, although it bore many of the characteristics of a synod, particularly with regard to the conciliarity or "sobornost" which comes about when the Church's bishops meet together in collegiality. The assembly referred to itself as an "episcopal assembly". The conference was hosted by Metropolitan Philip (Saliba), and it was presided over by Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis) (who was at that time primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the chairman of the "SCOBA"). Metropolitan Theodosius had participated very actively in the preparation for this meeting.

At the conclusion, the assembly issued 2 statements, specifically on evangelism and on the notion of American Orthodox Christians being a "diaspora".

1994 Ligonier Assembly of Orthodox Bishops

Because the bishops had determined to meet again, the consequence of this first assembly may be deemed to be the main forerunner of the "Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas", which was later formally established.

Fraternal primatial visits

Fraternal primatial visit to Ukraine, July, 1997

In July, 1997, Metropolitan Theodosius made a fraternal visit to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP). This three-week visit (including a visit to Georgia) were his first visits to each country since the fall of the Soviet Union's atheistic-communist government. Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) received Metropolitan Theodosius warmly, and together they served the Divine Liturgy in various places in the country, but mainly in Kyiv and at the Kyiv Caves Lavra. During this visit, there was a visit to Georgia, followed by a return to Ukraine and a completion of the visits in that country.

Metropolitans Volodymyr and Theodosius in Kyiv, Feast of Saint Vladimir, 1997

Fraternal primatial visit to Georgia, August, 1997

In August, 1997, Metropolitan Theodosius made a fraternal visit to the Orthodox Church of Georgia and Patriarch Ilia II (Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili). Metropolitan Theodosius was taken to visit various historic monasteries and Temples throughout the country, and there was a meeting with IOCC representatives and other humanitarian workers in Tbilisi. The 2 primates served the Divine Liturgy together several times during this visit. At this time, Metropolitan Theodosius extended an invitation to Patriarch Ilia II to visit North America.

Patriarch Ilia II and Metropolitan Theodosius serving together in Tbilisi, Georgia

Metropolitan Theodosius visiting various humanitarian workers

Fraternal primatial visit by Patriarch Ilia II to the USA 1998

In May, 1998, Metropolitan Theodosius hosted the visit to the USA of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Georgia, Patriarch-Catholicos Ilia II (Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili). On 14 May, 1998, Patriarch Ilia II arrived in New York. On 15 May, Patriarch Ilia II met with the Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians, His Holiness, Karekin, who was visiting the Armenian Church in the USA at that time. Afterwards, they were hosted at a luncheon in their honour by Metropolitan Theodosius.

On 16 May, Patriarch Ilia II participated in the commencement exercises of Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. During these days, he also met Archbishop Spyridon of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and with the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ, Joan Campbell. On 17 May, at the invitation of Metropolitan Theodosius, Patriarch Ilia II presided with Archbishop Herman (Swaiko) at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC. On 18 May, Patriarch Ilia visited government officials in Washington, at the U.S. State Department (Committee on Human Rights), the Library of Congress and the Georgian Embassy. On 19 May, Patriarch Ilia II presided at the Georgian Independence Day observances at the Harriman Institute of Columbia University in New York City. In New York City, Patriarch Ilia II also met with the Secretary General of the United Nations, and with various ecclesiastical leaders.

This visit included a special meeting with the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America, which was convened at Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery at South Canaan, Pennsylvania. There, on 23 May, Patriarch Ilia II presided with Metropolitan Theodosius at the Commencement exercises of Saint Tikhon's Theological Seminary, at which time he was given an Honourary Doctorate of Divinity degree. On 25 May, Patriarch Ilia II presided with Metropolitan Theodosius at the annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage of Saint Tikhon's Monastery. The entourage of Patriarch Ilia II included Metropolitan Calistrate of Kutaisi and Gaenati, and Archbishop Daniel of Tskum-Abkhaseti. Patriarch Ilia II had served together with Metropolitan Theodosius in North America previously in 1983. At that time, they had met in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, during a general assembly of the World Council of Churches.

1998

Kosovo War, 1998-1999

During the crisis in Kosovo (February, 1998-11 June, 1999), Metropolitan Theodosius boldly defended the rights of all peoples in the region, and he called upon President Clinton to end the NATO air campaign. This particular campaign included the bombing of Serbia, and Belgrade in particular by the NATO forces.

Canadian Archdiocesan Assembly, 1998

On 7-10 July, 1998, Metropolitan Theodosius participated in the triannual Archdiocese of Canada assembly (during a period of extremely hot weather).

The assembly was convened in the facilities of Saint Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Theological College on the campus of the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

In his characteristic manner, Metropolitan Theodosius was present amongst the various members of the assembly with approachability and affability. At the assembly, he presented a memorable address which was printed in its entirety in the "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Autumn, 1998). He served a Primatial Divine Liturgy along with other bishops amongst the members and other visitors. At one of the Divine Liturgies of the assembly, some parishioners organised themselves to sing the hymns and responses by using in Galician Chant (which reflects part of the ancestry of His Beatitude).

Sanctification of the Podvoriye (Representation Church) of Saint Catherine in the Fields, Moscow, 1999

On 8 June, 1999, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) led the group of visitors, members of the Orthodox Church in America that arrived in Moscow for a pilgrimage, which was to include (on 11 June) the sanctification of the Representation Church (Podvoriye) of The Orthodox Church in America to the Moscow Patriarchate.

Saint Catherine-in-the-Fields Temple, Moscow, OCA Representation

Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) presided at the sanctification, and he was assisted by Metropolitan Theodosius and many other bishops and clergy. This group of pilgrims included Archbishop Herman (Swaiko) of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, chancellor of The Orthodox Church in America, Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky, Protodeacon Eric Wheeler, Mr. Jason Vansuch, and a total of about 20 clerics and over 100 lay-persons. The visit, which included a visit to Saint Petersburg, lasted until 17 June. During that time, Patriarch Aleksey II and Metropolitan Theodosius served the Divine Liturgy together many times in various Temples. The main purpose of this visit (the sanctification of the Podvoriye) had been in preparation for a decade under the leadership of the Archpriest Daniel Hubiak and his wife Dunya. The sanctification of the Temple coincided with the end of the Kosovo War.

Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger) with Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) at Saint Catherine's Podvoriye, Moscow, 1999

At the Great Entrance, serving in Moscow

Other visits to the Archdiocese of Canada, 1999

Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver, British Columbia, 75th anniversary, 1999

On 17-18 September, 1999, Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor in Vancouver, British Columbia, celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding in 1924. Metropolitan Theodosius had been invited by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) and the parish council to preside over the anniversary celebrations. This parish had previously received Metropolitan Theodosius on many previous occasions, and the parishioners greatly respected him.

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) presided over the services of the Vigil and the Primatial Divine Liturgy
and the associated social gatherings. He was accompanied by Protodeacon John Hopko. Bishop Seraphim (Storheim)
and Archbishop Mark (Petrovtsiy) of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada served together with the metropolitan.
They were assisted by the Archpriest Andrey Somow, the Archpriest Vadim Pogrebniak, the Archpriest Stephen Slipko
the Archpriest Michael Fourik, the Priest Miroslav Dejanov, the Priest Evan Lowig, the Priest Lawrence Farley,
the Priest Melvin Gimmaka, the Priest Panagiotis Pavlakos, the Priest Iohanna Ayoub, and the Priest Nicholas Kondratyev.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, there was as usual a procession around the Temple, which included
the reading of the Holy Gospel with blessing with water on the 4 exterior walls.

On this occasion, there was the inauguration of the ‘Order of the Archdiocese of Canada Award Medal of Saint Tikhon the Enlightener’.
Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was the first recipient of this medal. Others were then presented with this award,
which gives recognition for long and significant service to the Orthodox Church, particularly in the Archdiocese of Canada.
The medal was designed by Matushka Henriette Somow. The recipients on this occasion included : Archpriest Andrey Somow ;
Anatole Portnoff ; Irene Rozvaliaeff ; Olga Fetisoff ; Tamara Mihailoff ; Anton Rudkiewich.
A historical booklet was produced for this occasion.

Metropolitan Theodosius at the 75th Anniversary, Holy Resurrection Sobor, Vancouver

Saint Herman of Alaska's Orthodox Sobor, Edmonton, Alberta, sanctification of the Temple, 1999

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) had been asked by Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) to preside over the sanctification of the new Temple of Saint Herman of Alaska in Edmonton, Alberta. This is a parish which had received blessings and encouragement from him during its early days as a very young parish, while he was the Locum-Tenens of the Archdiocese of Canada.

On Saturday and Sunday, 11-12 December, 1999, Metropolitan Theodosius presided over these events as requested. On the Saturday, he visited the Church school of the parish, and during the course of his encounter with the more than 30 children and their teachers, he gathered them all in the nave of the Temple, and he sat on the floor as he began to explain what was soon to occur. First, he spoke about Saint Herman of Alaska, the patron of the parish, and the saint with whom the metropolitan himself had a close friendship, and whose glorification occurred while he had been the Bishop of Alaska in 1970. Then he

 spoke to them about saints.  About his own experience.  And about his choice of relics for St Herman's. 
 The children were the first to see and venerate the Holy Relics which would rest for all time in the 
 Altar — those of Martyrs Probus, Tarachus and Andronicus, martyred at Cilicia in the time of the Emperor 
 Diocletian (284-305); Martyr Barbara, cell attendant and co-martyr of Saint Elizabeth, New Martyr of 
 Russia (1918); Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America (1837); and Saint Alexis 
 Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy in America (1909).  And then he explained what would happen on 
 Sunday.
 
 Later that same day, after Vespers, His Beatitude again gathered the faithful — this time, older ones!— 
 around him and led them into the sanctuary where he explained in detail what would happen the next day.  
 As the altar was unconsecrated, this was a rare occasion when all could enter the sanctuary.  Full 
 advantage was taken to draw near and see where the Relics would rest; how the icons would be affixed, the 
 dowels driven in, the rope tied around the altar; and to learn the significance of each act.

 We gathered earlier than usual on Sunday morning to anoint the Temple on each of the four walls and 
 consecrate the altar.  Throughout the service, which establishes and affirms the permanence of a 
 community, the Metropolitan, for the third time, used teaching to draw us into an understanding of 
 practices and remembrances of both Old and New Testament tradition and to give us a sense of continuity 
 between the Church of today and the Church throughout the centuries.

Saint Herman of Alaska Sobor, Edmonton

Official Fraternal Visit to the USA by Metropolitan Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland, 2000

On 19-20 May, 2000, Metropolitan Theodosius hosted the visit to the USA of the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Poland, Metropolitan Sawa (Hrycuniak) of Warsaw and All Poland.

In 1997, before his election as Primate of the Church of Poland, Metropolitan Sawa had visited the USA with regard to learning about the Orthodox military chaplaincy programmes, at which time he also visited Chicago, Illinois, and Saint Louis, Missouri (where there were groups of Orthodox Polish immigrants).

During a one-day side trip to Baltimore, Maryland, Metropolitan Sawa visited Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He also attended a breakfast hosted by Baltimore’s William Cardinal Keeler, who took the Metropolitans and their entourage on a tour of the Roman Catholic Basilica of the Assumption. He then visited the headquarters of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) (the pan-Orthodox humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA)). There, he awarded the Order of Saint Mary Magdalene to IOCC Executive Director Constantine Triantafilou. The award was presented to Mr. Triantafilou in recognition of the organisation’s work worldwide.

On Tuesday, 23 May, Bishop Job (Osacky) of Chicago welcomed Metropolitan Sawa, Metropolitan Theodosius, Archbishop Adam and their entourage to Chicago. Following a visit to Christ the Saviour Church and the diocesan headquarters, the hierarchs were hosted by Bishop Job at a reception at the Midwest Diocesan Chancery. Numerous religious and civic leaders were in attendance and greeted the hierarchs.

On Wednesday, 24 May, the Feast of Mid-Pentecost, Metropolitans Sawa and Theodosius, Archbishop Adam, and Bishop Job, together with two dozen priests and deacons of several jurisdictions, concelebrated the festal Divine Liturgy at Saint Joseph’s Church, Wheaton, Illinois, which conducts an outreach ministry to the Chicago area’s growing number of Orthodox Polish immigrants. Metropolitan Sawa also presided at the ground-breaking for the parish’s new hall, dedicated in honor of Saint Gabriel of Zabludow, whose relics are in Bialystok, Poland, the site of Poland’s largest Orthodox diocese. [Prior to his election as Primate of the Orthodox Church of Poland, Metropolitan SAWA had served as Archbishop of Bialystok and Gdansk for 18 years.]

Prior to their departure from Chicago, the hierarchs and their entourage were hosted at a reception at the Polish Consulate in Chicago.

On Thursday and Friday, 25-26 May, Metropolitan Sawa visited numerous religious and civic leaders in New York City. A highlight of his visit was a luncheon reception hosted by His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at the Archdiocesan headquarters in Manhattan. Metropolitan Sawa was also the guest of the Right Rev'd Richard F Grein, Episcopal Bishop of New York, at a dinner hosted in his honour, and Vladyka Sawa visited the headquarters of the National Council of Churches in Christ. After a visit to the United Nations, the entourage was received at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland to the UN by His Excellency, Ambassador Janusz Stanczyk.

While he was in New York, Metropolitan Sawa celebrated a Service of Thanksgiving and attended a dinner hosted by the Faithful of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY, which also conducts an active outreach ministry among Orthodox Polish immigrants.

On Saturday, 27 May, Metropolitans Sawa and Theodosius and their entourage travelled to Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, PA, where Metropolitan Sawa presided at commencement exercises at Saint Tikhon’s Seminary.

On Sunday, 28 May, Metropolitan Sawa concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Metropolitan Theodosius and Archbishops Adam and Herman in the Monastery Church of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk. Later that afternoon, he concelebrated with members of the OCA Holy Synod of Bishops and guest hierarchs from the Patriarchate of Moscow and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America at the Vigil service, during which the Glorification of Bishop Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn took place. The ceremony marked the first time a Primate of the Polish Church has participated in the glorification of a saint by the Orthodox Church in America.

On Monday, May 29, Metropolitan Sawa also participated in the annual Memorial Day pilgrimage to Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, which was attended by a record number of pilgrims.

On Tuesday, 30 May, 2000, Metropolitan Sawa and Archbishop Adam left the USA for Poland, following a farewell luncheon hosted by Metropolitan Theodosius.

Visit to "Ground Zero", New York City, 19 September, 2001

On 19 September, 2001, Metropolitan Theodosius travelled to the site of the destroyed "Twin Towers" and of the destroyed Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in lower Manhatten. In this place, he prayed a Panikhida for the many who had been killed on 11 September, 2001.

Metropolitan Theodosius at "Ground Zero", New York City, 19 September, 2001

Surgery ; leave-of-absence, 2001

In 2001, at the recommendation of his physicians, Metropolitan Theodosius requested of the Holy Synod of Bishops that he be granted a 4-month medical leave-of-absence from his arch-pastoral and primatial duties. The request was readily granted. Vladyka Metropolitan had earlier had a major surgery, which had been successful. However, he had then begun and continued to suffer the residual effects of small strokes which were occurring in late 2000 and early 2001. It is possible that in some way these strokes were an early warning of the prolonged illness to come.

Despite the recent four-month medical leave of absence, he found that the ever-increasing burdens of his office and his responsibilities were now too demanding for him to be able to manage.

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)

Retirement, 2002

On 2 April, 2002, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) submitted to the Holy Synod of Bishops his request that he be blessed to retire from the responsibility of being the Metropolitan of All America and Canada.

The members of the Holy Synod of Bishops granted Metropolitan Theodosius’ request, which would become effective at the soon-to-be-convened next All-American Council.

On 21 July, 2002, Metropolitan Theodosius opened the 13th All-American Council, and for the last time, he presented his address about the life of the Church during the previous triennium.

As was reported in the Autumn, 2002, issue of "The Canadian Orthodox Messenger" in the report about this council :

 Of utmost importance at this Council was the honouring of the OCA's much-beloved 
 retiring Metropolitan Theodosius, who had served so faithfully, brilliantly and 
 lovingly as Primate for the past 25 years.  In his final address to the assembly 
 as Metropolitan, he received many lengthy standing ovations, not just because of 
 his rousing calls to Orthodox unity and true autocephaly in North America : it was 
 palpably clear that the entire Church is filled with loving gratitude to him for 
 his consistently Christ-like pastoral care and leadership over so many years.  
 At the end of his last Divine Liturgy as Metropolitan on Monday morning, he was 
 given many gifts, including a special gramota from the Holy Synod, presented 
 to him by Canada's Bishop Seraphim, its secretary.  Also, the Grand Banquet on 
 Thursday evening was held in his honour, and upon this occasion, both Archbishop 
 Demetrios, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and Metropolitan 
 Kyrill of Smolensk, head of the external affairs department of the Moscow 
 Patriarchate, spoke warmly in appreciation of the retiring Primate's life and work.

At the conclusion of his address to the 13th All-American Council, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) officially retired from being the Metropolitan of All America and Canada. Nevertheless, the events of the rest of the week maintained the focus on the retirement, and the gratitude of the Church to Metropolitan Theodosius.

Although gratitude for his paternal pastoral care was felt by all parts of The Orthodox Church in America, the Archdiocese of Canada felt and expressed its special gratitude. The archdiocese had passed through an extremely difficult time organisationally and economically in the 1970s and 1980s, and it was precisely his personal care, guidance and decisions which saved the diocese from a probable collapse.

From the time of the conclusion of the assembly, Metropolitan Theodosius moved to live near his niece in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

At first, Vladyka Theodosius made some special visits to various places. However, after the first years, Metropolitan Theodosius did not very often serve publicly. He attended local parish services and some special events, at which time he simply received the Holy Mysteries according to his rank.

Serving the Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter and Paul's Cathedral, Montréal : 25 years since the election

On 20 October, 2002, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) visited the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Montréal, Québec. This visit followed his retirement in July, 2002. It had been his desire to return to the Temple in which he had been elected to the primacy of the OCA 25 years previously, and the visit was for him a great joy. It was a joy to the parishioners as well.

Metropolitan Theodosius serving at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Montréal. Metropolitan Theodosius greeting senior sisterhood members

Metropolitan Theodosius ; Archpriest Alexander Janowsky ; Archpriest John Tkachuk ; Igumen Irénée (Rochon) at Saints Peter and Paul dinner, 2002

Amongst other blessings on this occasion, Metropolitan Theodosius brought with him, and gave to the parish, the Relics of Saint Tikhon (Belavin) of Moscow ; of Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn ; of Saint Herman of Alaska ; of the Great New-Martyr Elizabeth of Russia.

During his retirement, Metropolitan Theodosius actively attended the Divine Services at Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, where he became a beloved presence once again in his home community.

50 years of priesthood, 2011

On 23 October, 2011, Metropolitan Theodosius served the Divine Liturgy in his home parish, Saint John the Baptist, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The occasion was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood. A substantial number of the parishioners gathered to help him mark this significant anniversary in his life.

50th anniversary of priesthood celebration

As his health continued to fail, Metropolitan Theodosius was cared for by Protodeacon John and Matushka Myra Olyenik, along with parishioner Richard Blaha and other clergy and parishioners in the area.

In 2016, Metropolitan Theodosius entered a retirement residence in Washington, Pennsylvania, about 13 km (8 mi) southwest of Canonsburg. There, he continued to live quietly and to be supported in his retirement.

Metropolitan Theodosius in retirement

Later, as his health continued to weaken, Metropolitan Theodosius moved to a nursing facility, where he continued to be cared for.

In the early summer of 2020, Metropolitan Theodosius began to face greater difficulties with health (unrelated to the Covid-19 virus epidemic), and he was hospitalised in Canonsburg for a time. There were 2 crises through which he passed, but he became very fragile.

Repose, 2020

On Monday, 19 October, 2020, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) fell asleep in the Lord.

On Wednesday, 21 October, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., the body of Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was transported to Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Visitation followed in the Temple, during which the Holy Gospels were read.

On Wednesday, 21 October, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., a Panikhida (Memorial Service) was served at Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The Holy Gospels were read between service times.

On Thursday, 22 October, 2020, at 6:00 p.m., after the conclusion of the afternoon visitation, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Hierarch was served at Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Canonsburg. The funeral service was led by Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), assisted by Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp) of Detroit ; Archbishop Benjamin (Peterson) of San Francisco ; Archbishop Melchisedek (Pleska) of Pittsburgh ; Archbishop Michael (Dahulich) of New York ; Metropolitan Savas (Zembillas) of Pittsburgh ; priests, deacons and others.

After the funeral service, the body of Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was transported to the Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration at Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.

On Friday, 23 October, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., a Hierarchical Memorial Divine Liturgy and a concluding Litiya (Memorial Service) was served in the out-of-doors pavilion at the Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration, Ellwood City. The Divine Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard), assisted by Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp) of Detroit, Archbishop Benjamin (Peterson) of San Francisco, Archbishop Melchisedek (Pleska) of Pittsburgh, Archbishop Michael (Dahulich) of New York, Bishop Irinej (Dobrijević) of New York. Metropolitan Savas (Zembillas) of Pittsburgh was also present. Several priests, deacons and others participated.

Immediately after the conclusion of the services, the body of Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was taken to the Cemetery of the Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration, Ellwood City, where it was then interred.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic that was active at the time, attendance was restricted on all occasions, and conformity to the rules regarding masks and social distancing were observed. The services were live-streamed on the internet.

Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) leads the Panikhida, Canonsburg

Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) leads the Funeral Service, Canonsburg

Metropolitan Theodosius during eulogies at the funeral

Metropolitan Tikhon (Mollard) leads the Memorial Divine Liturgy, Ellwood City

At the Gospel

Final Lity for Metropolitan Theodosius

Interment at the cemetery

In October, 2021, a panikhida was served at the grave for Metropolitan Theodosius

— Bishop of Washington, DC 1967. Preceded by : Bishop Kiprian (Borisevich). Succeeded by : Bishop Dmitri (Royster).

— Vicar-Bishop of the Diocese of New York 1967.

— Bishop of Sitka and Alaska 1967-1972. Preceded by : Archbishop Amvrossy (Merejko). Succeeded by : Archbishop Gregory (Afonsky).

— Archbishop of Pittsburgh 1972-1977. Preceded by : Archbishop Avrossy (Merejko). Succeeded by : Archbishop Kyrill (Yonchev).

— Archbishop of New York 1977-1981. Preceded by : Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish). Succeeded by : Archbishop Peter (l’Huillier) (as Archbishop of New York).

— Metropolitan of All America and Canada 1977-2002.

— Locum Tenens of Montréal and Canada (1981-1990). Preceded by : Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns). Succeeded by : Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) (as Bishop of Ottawa and Canada).

— Archbishop of Washington 1981-2002. Preceded by : Bishop Basil (Rozdianko). Succeeded by : Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) (as Metropolitan of All America and Canada).

— Former Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada 2002-2020.

Reflections

As is usually the case with patriarchs and other heads of local Churches, there is criticism (often politicised) of their behaviours and decisions by those within the Church who disagree with them about one or another matter, and by those outside the Church who have a different perception of the world and of situations. An assessment of such a person cannot be limited to one or even several matters. Rather, the assessment must consider the whole of the person's life and service. For an Orthodox Christian, a main criterion in discernment (or “litmus test”) is the Dominical saying : “By their fruits you will know them” :

‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  You 
 will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?  Even so, every 
 good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad 
 tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
 Therefore by their fruits you will know them’ (Matthew 7:15-20).

Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) served as a diligent labourer in the Vineyard of Christ in North America. In his arch-pastoral labours, service and travels, he gave a good example of the way of life of an Orthodox Christian bishop. This was particularly the case in the way that he demonstrated love towards the rational sheep of Christ. He served correctly as an hierarch and as the Primate of an Autocephalous Church, but he did not "lord it over" people. He served and behaved for the most part as a human being ought. It was due to his leadership and to the blessings that he gave for various projects that The Orthodox Church in America came to be known as not only a home for those who are immigrating, but also clearly the Orthodox Church in North America which is concerned with developing the Orthodox Christian Faith and way of life in North America, which takes into account the local and indigenous peoples and cultures as well as those of the newcomers.

During the last decade of the primatial leadership of Metropolitan Theodosius, the rules of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) were being tightened with regard to the financial reporting of nonprofit and charitable organisations. Stricter regulations began to govern both the required regular financial reporting, and the ways in which charitable income could be used. These regulations affected The Orthodox Church in America ; and as with all other ecclesiastical and charitable institutions, many adjustments were required in order to comply. Since these regulations were being tightened at the same time that The Orthodox Church in America was trying to help in small ways with the recovery and renewal of the Russian Orthodox Church (such as in monasteries, orphanages and hospitals), the situation was beginning to present challenges, difficulties and various misunderstandings. That these changes were occurring at the same time that his health was deteriorating increased the stress he felt, and they were perhaps the main reasons that he asked to retire at the time that he did. It is also a fact that his administration began to be criticised in such a manner that he could be said to be amongst the earlier Orthodox clergy to suffer from being assessed and judged through "conversations" in various groups and blogs on the internet.

The following photo is in itself a wordless description of Metropolitan Theodosius :

A Canadian subdeacon wrote about Metropolitan Theodosius : "A fine servant and man of God ! I have met him a number of times and served with him : always kind and considerate to everyone he met !"

A Canadian parishioner who had met Metropolitan Theodosius frequently both as a student and as a parishioner wrote about her impression of him : "He came often as Locum Tenens in the early eighties, so I got to know him quite well. He was a kind and gentle man. He always had icons or medals to distribute to the Faithful". She also mentioned that the seminarians, both male and female, were given the blessing to give sermons in the chapel and in other places, (since they, as all students, were supervised and guided in their preaching). The same graduate also once asked Metropolitan Theodosius if he got tired of doing the elaborate ceremony of vesting all the time. He replied that in fact, he was often vested simply and in the Altar, and that he sometimes vested himself. He was content with it both ways (since there are times when it must be done simply). A very humble man he was.

Another Canadian whose husband was a student at Saint Vladimir's Seminary recalls that her 3-year-old son met Metropolitan Theodosius outside the chapel after a service. They sat on the steps together and discussed the benefits of the walking-stick the metropolitan carried, and the fine stick that the boy was walking with. This encounter caused delays in important meetings, but Vladyka Metropolitan did not move until the conversation was completed.

Similarly, on a pastoral visit in Edmonton, Alberta, after the Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Metropolitan encountered a little girl who wanted to tell him about the pockets her dress had. There followed a conversation about the importance of pockets, about the pockets she had, and the many he had, and how deep they were. There was a delay in beginning the parish meal until the conversation was completed.

A couple who hosted him in their home in Canada during pastoral visits on many occasions habitually spoke about the consistent kindness of Metropolitan Theodosius. They were deeply impressed by his natural and authentic care for people, and his genuine interest in them. They considered him to be an exemplary Orthodox Christian.

A Canadian matushka wrote that when she and her husband were young, "Metropolitan Theodosius gave us a little personal tour of the Chancery at Syosset. He was like a little child giggling and so sweet. He showed Father N and me the relics housed in the chapel too. It was nice to spend a little time alone with him".

The clergy in very tight economic circumstances sometimes found that either a personal cheque might appear in the mail, or a handful of cash might be transferred surreptitiously from Metropolitan Theodosius' pocket to the hand of the cleric in need.

Two women recall the association between their early days in the Orthodox Church and an archpastoral visit of Metropolitan Theodosius to the Sign of the Theotokos Parish in Montréal, Québec. Both remained steadfast Orthodox Christians.

A Canadian woman, a former seminary student, invited Metropolitan Theodosius for dinner in association with a diocesan meeting. When she was not looking, he paid for the dinner secretly, which occasioned a mirthful exchange.

At the time of the funeral of Metropolitan Theodosius, those who spoke referred to the humility of Vladyka Metropolitan, to his desire for Orthodox unity in North America, to his pastoral love and care. Deep love, respect and gratitude were expressed for his single-minded, single-hearted service and example.

Honours :

• Saint Vladimir’s Seminary (1986), and Washington and Jefferson College (1973) awarded him honourary Doctor of Divinity degrees.

• Georgetown University awarded Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) an honourary Doctor of Humane Letters degree (1988).

References :

Wyrwoll, Nikolaus ed., “Orthodoxia 2014-2015” (Regensburg : Ostkirchliches Institut, 2015). ISBN 978-7245-1959-1.

OCA biography

Orthodoxwiki biography

Wikipedia biography

Russian Wikipedia biography

Slovar.cc biography

Biography in "Russian Religious Figures Abroad"

Additional information

Archdiocese of Canada – Orthodox Church in America, “The Orthodox Church in Canada : A Chronology” (Ottawa : Archdiocese of Canada, 1988).

Lazor, Archpriest Paul "100th Anniversary Greeting of Archpriest Paul Lazor" at Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, 2018

Prokurat, Michael ; Golitzin, Alexander & Petersen, Michael, eds., “The A to Z of the Orthodox Church” (Lanham, MD : Scarecrow Press, 2010), p. 194. ISBN : 978-0-8108-7602-6.

Stokoe, Mark, and Kishkovsky, Archpriest Leonid, “Orthodox Christians in North America (1794-1994)”

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., "Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America" (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

"Sedmitza.ru" article about the retirement of Metropolitan Theodosius

Orthodoxresearchinstitute “Former Hierarchs of The Orthodox Church in America”

Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov)

Patriarch Ilia II (Ghudushauri-Shiolashvili)

Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)

Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)

Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)

Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)

Archbishop Kiprian (Borisevich)

Archbishop Benjamin (Basalyga)

Archbishop John (Garklavs)

Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America