Orthodox Archbishop Job Dies

Head of Orthodox Church in America in Chicago and the Midwest was found in parking lot in Ohio

Archbishop Job, the head of the Orthodox Church in America in Chicago and the Midwest, has died. He was 63.

He was found Friday morning collapsed in the parking lot of a motel in Maunee, Ohio, where he'd spent the night, Fr. John Zdinak said.

Zdinak said the Archbishop had not been feeling well all week and had complained of shortness of breath and heaviness in his chest.  In a telephone conversation within two hours of his death, the Archbishop told Zdinak that he had trouble sleeping and had to sit in a chair all night to remain comfortable.

[Audio:  Fr. John Zdinak speaks to Ancient Faith Radio]

An exact cause of death has not yet been released.

Archbishiop Job was born Richard John Osacky in Chicago on March 18, 1946.  He attended Northern Illinois University and St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary. 

Following graduation at the seminary, he served as cantor and youth director at St. John the Baptist Church in Black Lick, Penn. 

The archbishop rose to national prominence in recent years as he took a stance against alleged financial mismanagement and corruption among the church's national leaders, the Chicago Tribune reported.

According to MidwestDiocese.org, funeral arrangements have been scheduled:

Monday, December 21
Christ the Savior Church, 927 N LaSalle Blvd, Chicago, IL 60610
1- 4 PM Viewing.

Body then transported to Holy Trinity Cathedral
1121 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60622
6-11 PM Viewing. Panikhida at 7 PM

Tuesday, December 22
Holy Trinity Cathedral
11 Am to 11 PM. Funeral Vigil at 7 PM

Wednesday, December 23
Holy Trinity Cathedral
Funeral Liturgy at 9 AM

After Liturgy, body is transported to St. Theodosius Cathedral, Cleveland.
733 Starkweather Ave,
Cleveland, OH 44113
7:30 – 10 PM. Panikhida with viewing at 8 PM

Saturday, December 26
St. John the Baptist Church,
785 Blaire Rd, Blairsville, PA 15717 (Black Lick, PA)
Funeral Liturgy with internment at 10 AM
Serving clergy are requested to wear white.

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