July 31, 2020
Dear parishioners and friends,
I learned today that Fr. John, an archimandrite at St. Dionysios Monastery in St. James, reposed in the Lord early this morning. I didn’t know Fr. John extremely well but I did know him well enough to know that he was a profoundly humble and kind man.
He was a monk for about 40 years and for many years he was the only resident at what was then called St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Monastery in East Setauket, NY. He was also a well regarded high school physics teacher at Sachem Central School District. Eventually more monks joined him at St. Herman’s and then together they moved to St. James, NY and reorganized their monastic life under the patronage of St. Dionysios the Aeropagite. Fr. John at this point was a fairly senior monk and he was then responsible for the design and crafting of the beautiful wooden iconostasis in the monastery chapel. His workmanship was flawless and well thought out. I was honored on one occasion to serve liturgy alongside Archimandrite John (Erickson) – who should not be confused with the former Dean of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, of similar name, the Archpriest John H. Erickson. Again, his serving style was humble, not to draw attention to himself, and he was ever alert and ready to assist his concelebrants as needed.
The few times that I spoke with Fr. John he impressed me with the extent and depth of his knowledge, regardless of the topic under consideration. He did express his concern for our former pastor, +Fr. Michael Mihalick, as he was aware of the difficulties that Fr. Michael had borne around the time of his illness and retirement. When we did speak, Fr. John had a directness and engaging concern for whoever he communicated with. A tall, lean man, he had a penetrating gaze and a very thoughtful perspective. He always made me feel respected and welcome when I visited the monastery and saw him. Fr. John rests now while the life of the monastery continues, thanks to his years of labor there — often by himself — to preserve and nourish the monastic witness here on Long Island. His steadfast discipline and selfless endeavor have blossomed in the community life that will carry on in his absence.
May Archimandite John’s memory be eternal!
–Fr. John
Photos from the ROCOR Eastern American Diocese.
I’ve admired this monastery since moving to East Setauket recently. It appears to be abandoned. I was wondering if this is the case. Would love to view the interior if the opportunity exists.