- Anonymous
Serious and dignified during Services Divine,
as certainly fit for one hierarch to appear.
Cheerful and approachable, with a smile benign,
offering warm welcome to all who drew near.
Having had the honor of knowing St. John,
San Francisco’s Wonderworker and a great Saint,
he endeavored that his legacy lived on,
recounting the Saint’s virtues and self-restraint.
As St. John’s acolyte he learned from the best
how to serve the Lord with reverence and zeal.
With gift of love for Services he became blessed —
such love, that not many are privileged to feel.
In Church he appreciated everything orderly,
following the rubrics and teaching reverence,
any mistakes he would address straightforwardly,
inspiring everyone to strive towards excellence.
And one thing about him really stood out —
he himself could humbly take remarks, when just,
if need be, would also apologize, straight-out,
with childlike sincerity that one could trust.
Admirer of rich and harmonious singing
which “beautifies the Services”, as he would often say,
oh, what inspiration with such words he was bringing
to the singers striving to help people pray.
His sermons — edifying, eloquent, concise,
every uttered word audible and clean.
Observance of Church Feasts — so strict and precise,
and his love for teaching — consistently seen.
While greatly knowledgeable and extremely bright,
he had a distinct sense of humor, too,
his eyes smiled with a unique spark of light,
as he would share an anecdote or two.
Determined to follow the Lord’s holy steps,
with pastoral staff firmly in his hand,
even physically he walked the Lord’s paths,
frequently taking his flock to Holy Land.
Affable and welcoming to all who love God,
his effort for uniting the Orthodox was strong.
He strived that in his Church no one felt odd,
making sure everyone knew that they belong.
The Archbishop that I knew is no longer here…
He left with the sounds of a burial hymn…
But fond memories remain, which I hold dear,
honored by the privilege to have known him.
Memory Eternal, dear Vladyka Peter !
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