www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Prayer Eternal Memory and Blessed Repose: Fr. Thomas Hopko

Please Pray for Fr. Tom
Many of you have read this letter from Fr. Thomas Hopko's daughter Juliana Thetford. We are sharing it here and asking our AFR listeners to pray for Fr. Tom during this difficult season of his life. Fr. Tom continues to be a huge blessing to many thousands of listeners around the world. If you would like to write to him, please do so in care of AFR. We will pass it along.
Dear Reverend Clergy, Venerable Monastics, Family and Friends,
Christ is in our Midst! Blessed Theophany season!
Thank you, to each and every one of you, for your ongoing love, prayers, and concern for our father Fr. Thomas Hopko. As many of you know, he has had several serious health concerns during recent years. The most serious medical issue by far is his diagnosis with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to the fact that he has senile systemic amyloidosis. Simply put, the deposits of a protein-like material called amyloid in the heart cause stiffening of the heart muscle. Therefore it cannot work as efficiently as usual, and heart failure ensues.
On Theophany (January 6), my mother took my father to the ER as the list of symptoms he was experiencing was an indication of heart failure issues. The result of his blood test showed hyponatremia (a potentially very serious condition that occurs when the level of sodium in your blood is abnormally low). Indeed, he was in serious condition, and it was extremely timely that he was brought to the hospital. On the Sunday after Theophany, he was released back home, having been told that although his vital signs were all good (blood pressure, oxygen level, kidney function, plus now his sodium level), and he himself looked rather well considering everything, he had a heart that was decidedly affected by amyloidosis, and in critical condition, with markedly reduced function. The team of doctors reviewed Dad’s case, and in addition to continuing his medication with some adjustments, they prescribed the use of a 24-hour defibrillator vest which Dad started wearing immediately. He will also have home health care and monitoring, which we are very grateful for.
So, as you can see, although the decline of Fr. Thomas’ heart function has been gradual, it is now at a stage that is definitely more critical and will require more rest and a quiet daily routine that supports his well-being in the best way possible. This naturally will result in a more reclusive existence, which for someone who has been as involved and busy as he has, will definitely be a change. He and my mother know that all of you dear ones are praying, supporting, and loving both of them. They are immensely grateful and touched. While my father will be unable to talk on the phone, have visitors or respond to emails much, please know that you are in his thoughts and prayers.
On behalf of our whole family, most especially my siblings Fr. John Hopko, Katya Mandell, Masha Solak, and Alexandra Sedor, thank you all for your love and support, as well as your understanding and continued prayers. God bless you and yours!
With love in Christ,
Juliana Hopko Thetford

Sunday of the Cross
Posted by Juliana on March 15, 2015 at 7:00 AM
Very early in the morning:
Fr. Thomas' breathing is erratic and shallow, but he remains peaceful. The priest came and prayed. Please continue to pray for him during these last hours of his earthly life. Matushka Anne remains by his side, at peace and grateful to all.
When the time of his repose comes, it will be posted on this website. Please continue to check here for updates.
Blessed Sunday of the Cross!

Fr. Thomas' family, and the clergy ministering and praying, have been keeping vigil with him. He remains peaceful during these last hours. The hospice caregivers are loving and supportive, and Matushka Anne and the whole family are so grateful. We continue to be bolstered by the love, support, and prayers of so many faithful, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

O strange and wonderful event!
We were not really put to death,
we were not really buried,
we were not really crucified,
we were not really brought back to life.
But, though the imitation was symbolic,
the salvation is very real!


Christ was truly crucified,
truly buried,
truly raised up.
And all this was given to us by a grace
in order that we might share his sufferings by imitating them,
and thus truly obtain salvation.
How vast God’s love for humanity.
Christ had his utterly pure hands pierced by the nails
he suffered;
and yet it is to me,
who share in his sufferings without suffering or experiencing pain,
that he gives the grace of salvation.