Funeral service for young reader: "He was a devoted servant of the Church"

On January 22, Vinnytsia bid farewell to Nazarii Shvets, a reader and the son of the rector of the UOC Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious, Archpriest Valerii Shvets, reports the press service of the Vinnytsia Eparchy.

The Divine Liturgy on this sorrowful day was led by the late reader’s father, Archpriest Valerii, with the clergy of Vinnytsia concelebrating. The funeral service was officiated by Metropolitan Varsonofiy of Vinnytsia and Bar, joined by the plentitude of the eparchy's clergy.

Expressing deep condolences to the family and loved ones, the ruling bishop said:
“Nazarii was a shining example of devoted service to God and the Holy Church. He received a spiritual education and had a sincere desire to become a priest. A special testament to his dedication is his work on building the Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious, which he began together with you, Father Valerii and Matushka Iryna. His love and effort will remain forever in our hearts.”

The bishop acknowledged the difficulty in understanding this act of Divine Providence but expressed faith that “Nazarii has now found peace in the embrace of the Heavenly Father.”

Nazarii Shvets was laid to rest at the city cemetery in Sabariv.

“We ask all believers of our diocese to pray for the repose of the soul of the newly departed reader Nazarii. May the merciful Lord grant him rest with the righteous in the Kingdom of Heaven!” the message reads.

The eparchy announced Nazarii’s sudden passing on January 21, stating that “his departure is a great sorrow for his family, loved ones, and our entire church community.”

As previously reported by the UOJ, the adopted son of Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny was killed at the front.