In Memory of George Skok: Funeral and Memorial Services, November 7– December 7, 2025

On the morning of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, George Skok fell asleep in the Lord at his family home in Toronto.

At his express wish, the funeral and related services will be held in Kanata, Ontario, at:

Blessed St. Xenia of Petersburg Russian Orthodox Church
4 Colchester Square, Ottawa (Kanata) – stxenia.ca
Rector: Very Reverend Father Oleg Mironov

Friday, November 7

6:30 p.m.
Panikhida / Memorial Service with the arrival of the coffin. Live stream will start at 6:30 https://youtube.com/live/JNZJ08Z6ct4.

7:00 p.m. onward
The tradition of all-night readings of the Psalter with the newly reposed George (in Slavonic and English) will commence and continue through the night.

Those who wish to participate are invited to sign up. A roster of readers is being organized—please confirm your availability without delay at warden-starosta@stxenia.ca.

Saturday, November 8

9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy with male choir under the direction of Elias Dubelsten, Ottawa.
This service will be held in honour of George’s efforts to develop the use of monastic male chants at the parish and beyond. Live stream will start at 9:00 https://youtube.com/live/lW9SdvS2qTE.

11:00 a.m.
Funeral with mixed choir directed by Peter Fekula, New York.
Please note: Singers are asked to arrive 15 minutes before the service begins.

Approximately 12:45 p.m.
Immediately following the Funeral, all are invited to the Parish Hall for a Pominki / Remembrance Luncheon.
Please note: seating capacity is limited.

Sunday, November 9

2:00 p.m.
Burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, Pine Grove Road, Concession 4, Lanark Township, near Lanark Village (approximately 40 minutes west of Kanata), where George will be laid to rest near his parents.

Sunday, December 7

Approximately 11:30 a.m.
A memorial service will be held to mark forty days since the passing of our beloved George. The service will take place following the Divine Liturgy at the Blessed Saint Xenia of Petersburg. We warmly invite all parishioners, as well as George’s family and friends, to join us in this prayerful commemoration.

George Skok Memorial Fund for Conductors

In memory of George and his lifelong dedication to advancing Orthodox church choral music, the George Skok Memorial Fund for Conductors has been established under the registered non-profit Kanata Orthodox Church Foundation. This fund will support the education and development of young Orthodox church conductors, ensuring that the beauty of our sacred music continues to thrive. All Canadian donations are eligible for official income tax receipts. To contribute and help carry forward George’s legacy, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/george-skok-memorial-fund-for-conductors.

Vechnaya Pamyat / Memory Eternal to dearest George!