On Saturday, April 6, the forefeast of the Holy Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Divine Liturgy for the newly reposed Archpriest Emil Minkovich was celebrated in Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Elizabeth, NJ. The evening prior, April 5, the funeral for a priest was served.

The divine services were officiated by dean of the Eastern States, Archpriest Mikhail Kapchits concelebrated by clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, Fr. Mikhail offered a word of condolences to the family and parishioners of the newly reposed on behalf of all the deanery clergy assembled.

Archpriest Emil was interred in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Saddle Brook, NJ amongst other departed priests of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.

Dear Matushka Natalie! Dear Brothers & Sisters!

With great sorrow, I received the news of the repose of Archpriest Emil Minkovich – the rector emeritus of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Elizabeth, NJ.

Father Emil dedicated his entire life to the service of the Russian Orthodox Church, zealously fulfilling pastoral duties in the United States of America, assisting in the administration of the Patriarchal Parishes since its inception, as well as to all the ruling hierarchs as secretary of the Bishop’s Council.

I warmly remember our interactions during my visits to the USA. Father Emil's pastoral wisdom and vast experience in serving the Church and his attentiveness to people, earned him well-deserved respect from his fellow priests and sincere love from the parishioners.

May the Merciful Lord establish the soul of His faithful servant, Archpriest Emil, in the heavenly abodes and grant him eternal and blessed memory, and to all the relatives and spiritual children of the departed – may He quickly them grant consolation in their loss.

With sincere condolences,

MATTHEW, Bishop of Sourozh,
Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA