Fr. Archimandrite Athanasy reposed in the Lord at 11 a.m. this morning February 5th, 2016. Father's body will be in the Church from Saturday afternoon until Wednesday afternoon. A pannikhida before the funeral liturgy will be served on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. On Wednesday morning Metropolitan Tikhon will preside at the funeral liturgy with hours beginning at 9:10 a.m. The service for burial of a monastic will follow the Liturgy (approximately 11:30 a.m.) with the committal. All are welcome to break bread at a memorial luncheon following the services. May Fr. Athanasy's memory be eternal!

Obituary for Fr. Athanasy (Mastalski)

Fr. Athanasy was born on June 24, 1946 in Philadelphia child of Andrew and Anna. In 1975, he was ordained a deacon, and in the following year a priest, by Archbishop Nikon (Rklitsky). In December 1978, Metropolitan Philaret performed Fr. Athanasy’s monastic tonsure.

Hieromonk (and later Abbot) Athanasy led Joy of All Who Sorrow parish in Philadelphia for many years; he served in Holy Protection Church in New Brunswick, NJ and St. Nicholas Church in Red Bank, NJ, as well as at the convents in the Holy Land – Holy Ascension on the Mount of Olives and the Gethsemane Convent.

In December 2005, Metropolitan Laurus elevated Fr. Athanasy to the rank of archimandrite.

For many years, Archimandrite Athanasy was the guardian of the myrrh-streaming icon of the Holy Righteous Anna, Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, with which he traveled to a multitude of churches and monasteries in the dioceses of the Russian Church Abroad. The holy image was painted in the Mount of Olives Convent by Nun Mastridia, and began to stream myrrh in the United States. It was well known that the future priest fell in his childhood and was very badly hurt; he prayed to St. Anna, promising that, when he had the opportunity and the funds, he would order an icon of St. Anna.

Archimandrite Athanasy spent the final years of his earthly life at St. Tikhon’s Monastery (OCA) in South Canaan, PA. He enjoyed teaching at the Seminary and was beloved of the entire community. Funeral services will be held at St. Tikhon’s Monastery on Wednesday: Liturgy at 9:30 am, Funeral Service for monastic at 11:30 am with committal at 1:30 pm. Flowers can be sent to St. Tikhon’s Monastery or donation to St. Tikhon’s Seminary in memory of Fr. Athanasy. May his memory be eternal.