“For all the saints…

…who from their labors rest, who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy name, O Jesus be forever blessed! Alleluia! Alleluia!”—I am singing these words from the old 1940 Episcopal Hymnal, not just writing them, as I remember a man who has had a great impact on my life, Sergei Fudel …
Sergei Iosifovitch’s entire aspect and cast of mind reflected his constant striving towards the spiritual world. He was kept steadfast in his earthly life by his need to walk his path according to the will of God, with love for others, and retaining the hope of still being of use to the Church. The sorrows laid upon him left their permanently visible mark. It is as if he constantly remembered and saw that evil which mercilessly devours the world, and had learned to be humbly conscious of his weakness, to meekly hope in the mercy of God. His acquired experience made him careful in judgment, and imparted especial profundity to each word and opinion. I remember having the impression that Sergei Iosifovitch knew something secret, something that could not be related, perhaps something that is inexpressible. Nonetheless, he was able to relate an amazing amount in each of his words. A certain measure of the mark of endless sadness, of being not of this world, of incompatibility with the world around him, a sorrowful smile, a momentary utterly piercing glance, a calm, quiet, measured and not tiresome manner of speech, readiness to listen or to be silent and to pray – all of this formed an image in complete contrast to that of the hero of our times. It seemed that Sergei Iosifovitch’s appearance and demeanor was saying, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” (1 John 2: 15), and “…seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Мatthew 6: 33). He was repelled by any mask of spirituality, by unctuousness, pretense, or lack of candor. He avoided the mighty of the earth, and showed an eager preference for the outskirts rather than the center.

Lord, I thank You for his witness. May his memory be eternal.