With faith in Christ and hope in the resurrection, we share news of the repose of Seminary Alumnus Very Rev. John J. Matusiak. Father John passed away on August 15, the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, following a battle with bladder and spinal cancer.
Father John was pastor emeritus of St. Joseph Church, Wheaton, IL, and served the Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) for fifty years in various positions, including director of youth ministry, director of communications, director of church growth, and managing editor of The Orthodox Church newspaper. He was also well known as the “Q&A guru” from the OCA website’s popular “Questions and Answers about Orthodoxy” resource.
Father John’s connection with St. Vladimir’s Seminary spans multiple generations. He graduated from the Seminary in 1975. His son, Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak, secretary to the Metropolitan, graduated from St. Vladimir’s in 2006 and later served the Seminary as its director of alumni and recruitment.
Father John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara; his son, the Archdeacon Joseph and spouse, Nina; his daughter, Juliana and spouse, Michael; and 5 grandchildren (Alexander, Noah, Daniel, Silas, and Zofia.)
The Funeral Service for a Priest will be celebrated at St. Joseph Orthodox Church, 412 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187, on Monday, August 19, at 7 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 20 at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Wheaton Cemetery, Wheaton, IL. A repast will follow at the St. Joseph Church hall. Choir rehearsals will be held in the church prior to each service—on Monday at 6:15 p.m., and on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Email chancery@domoca.org for more information.
In lieu of flowers, a monetary gift to Matushka Barbara Matusiak would be appreciated. Gifts can be sent to 570 Crescent Blvd #506, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-8307.
May the memory of Archpriest John be eternal!
