CLERGY GATHER TO SUPPORT A BROTHER AND HIS FAMILY
September 24, 2019
FUNERAL FOR PRIEST'S MOTHER HELD IN TRANSCONA
As Metropolitan Lawrence is away, His Grace, Archbishop emeritus Stefan Soroka presided at the Funeral services for the late Rose Zubacz that were held at St. Michael's Parish church in Winnipeg's Transcona suburb. Several clergy, many associated with St. Michael's Parish at some time, participated in the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Panakhyda. A good number of parishioners from the parishes where Fr. Greg once served as well as members of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League, in which Rose was very active, were present. Rose, a longtime parishioner of St. Michael's, had been residing in Saskatoon for some time, but was brought to Winnipeg for the funeral and interment at her final resting place alongside her husband at Transcona Cemetery.
Her son, Fr. Greg Zubacz who is now living and serving in California with his family, preached the homily at the funeral Liturgy. In the context of his kind words about the life of his mother, he quoted the description of a "good woman" that is found in Sacred Scripture in the Book of Proverbs.
May our good Lord, welcome into His presence His faithful servant Rose and grant her - eternal memory.
Вічная Пам'ять!
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Proverbs 31:10-31 ["Wisdom taught to King Lemuel, by his mother...]
A good woman who can find? She is worth far more than precious jewels. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (NIV)
