View source for Protodeacon Peter and Matushka Nadezhda Svetlovsky


[[File:Protodeacon Peter Svetlovsky CS.jpg]]

'''Protodeacon Peter Grigorievitch Svetlovsky (1909-1995)'''

and

'''Matushka Nadezhda Nikolaievna Apoukhtine (1921-2018)'''



— From a 1994 article by the [https://oca.org/clergy/Andrew-Morbey/ Archpriest Andrew Morbey], and a 1995 letter by the bishop (edited).  


Peter may be spelt Petr, Pëtr, Petar, Petya.

Grigorievitch may be spelt Gregorievitch, Gregorievich, Grigorievich.

Nadezhda may be spelt Nadejda, Nadine, Nadia. 

Matushka may be spelt Matouchka (in French). 




==Early life of Peter Grigorievitch in Finland==

Peter Grigorievitch Svetlovsky was born in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finland Finland] on 16 February, 1909, the 6th of 9 children.  His parents, the Archpriest Gregory and Matushka Nadezhda Svetlovsky, had both been teachers in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veliky_Novgorod Novgorod], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire Russia], but met while on summer vacation in Finland.  At that time, Finland was a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Duchy_of_Finland Grand Duchy] of the  Russian Empire, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_II_of_Russia Tsar (Saint) Nicholas II] served as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Grand_Dukes_of_Russia Grand Duke].  

Father Gregory Svetlovsky had earlier completed his studies in the Novgorod seminary, and after marrying, he was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate].  Twelve years later, he was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood] in 1901.  He became rector of the parish of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savonlinna Savonlinna] (Nyslott) in Finland, where Peter was born.  The family moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zelenogorsk,_Saint_Petersburg Terijoki] (now Zelenogorsk) in 1917, where, 32 km (20 mi) across the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Finland Gulf of Finland], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kronstadt Kronstadt] could be seen on a clear day.  


[[File:Our Lady of Kazan Temple, Terioki 2.png]]  '''Our Lady of Kazan Temple, Terioki (Zelenogorsk), Karelia, Finland'''


Father Peter well remembered serving as an [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Acolyte Altar-boy] during this period.  The Svetlovsky family was a musical family where singing (both ecclesiastical and classical) was a favourite activity.  In these early years, Peter gained the nick-name “the Deacon”.  

In that same year, 1917,  came the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution Bolshevik Revolution], the abdication of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_II_of_Russia Tsar Nicholas II], and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Declaration_of_Independence declaration of the independence of Finland] from Russia (which had become the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union Soviet Union]).  

In 1927, when Peter was 18, the family moved to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyborg Vyborg (Viipuri)].  

'''Early work experience ; move to Paris ; Altar-service, 1927 and the following years'''

Then, in 1930, because of hard economic times (high unemployment) in Finland, Peter went to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris Paris], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France France], where he worked as an unskilled labourer, and where he studied to become a masseur.  On Sundays, he sang in several different Russian Temples, and he sometimes served at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral,_Paris Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral], where he would hold the metropolitan’s service-books.  Following a concert celebrating the [http://www.culturalconstructionse.theleahgoldman.com/midterm-presentation-webpages/the-evolution-of-the-pushkin-jubilee-and-the-significance-of-the-1937-jubilee/ Pushkin Jubilee], at which Peter had sung an aria, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eulogius_(Georgiyevsky) Metropolitan Evlogy (Georgievsky)] asked him why he did not arrange to become a deacon.  Peter was happy at the suggestion, but it took him 10 years to find his wife.  He also helped to build the chapel at [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_de_Lourmel_(Paris)&prev=search Lourmel], where [http://www.incommunion.org/2004/10/18/saint-of-the-open-door/ (Saint) Mother Maria (Skobtsova)] and [http://www.incommunion.org/2004/10/18/father-dimitry-klepinin/ (Saint) Father Dimitry Klepnin] were based, and he also sang there in the choir.  When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] arrived, Peter was conscripted to work for the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany/World-War-II Germans], although he was able to get back to Paris in time for [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha Pascha] in 1945.

==Early life of Nadezhda Nikolaievna Apoukhtine==

Nadezhda Nikolaievna Apoukhtine was the second child, the daughter of [https://www.translatetheweb.com/?from=ru&to=en&ref=SERP&dl=en&rr=UC&a=https%3a%2f%2fru.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2f%25D0%2590%25D0%25BF%25D1%2583%25D1%2585%25D1%2582%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BD%2c_%25D0%259D%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BA%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B0%25D0%25B9_%25D0%2590%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B5%25D0%25BA%25D1%2581%25D0%25B0%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B4%25D1%2580%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B2%25D0%25B8%25D1%2587_%28%25D0%25BF%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BB%25D0%25BA%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B2%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BA%29 Colonel Nikolai Alexandrovitch Apoukhtine] (1888-1938), a retired military officer, and his wife Nadezhda Dmitrievna Katkova (born Popova).  Nadezhda Nikoaievna was born in Russia in 1921 (during the [https://www.britannica.com/event/Russian-Civil-War Russian Civil War]).  They had also 3 sons, Alexander Nikolaievitch, Dmitri Nikolaievitch and [https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-40000-196637988/сергей-николаевич-апухтин-in-geni-world-family-tree Serguei Nikolaievitch], who were born in France.  

This was an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Émigré émigré] family which had fled to France after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 and World War I.  Her father had been a colonel in the 4th Rifle Regiment, the Imperial Family Life-Guards, and a hero of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I World War I].  He had been awarded the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_St._George Order of Saint George], 4th Class ("For the fact that, being in the rank of lieutenant, in the battle of 15 July, 1916, commanding the company, he broke the heavily fortified German line, and he personally began to cut with scissors wire barriers.  Being wounded in the shoulder, he continued the bayonet fight until he broke through the entire strip of fortifications ;  and, continuing to advance, he developed successes until a new severe wound brought him out of action").  He was given 6 other awards in recognition of his contributions during the war.  After 1917, he went into exile in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany Germany], and then in France.  Because Nadezhda had been born in France, she was generally known as "Nadine".  

==Marriage, 1945==

On 21 October, 1945, after his return to France, Peter Grigorievitch Svetlovsky and Nadezhda Nikolaievna Apoukhtine were crowned in [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Marriage marriage] in Paris. 

The whole of the married life of Peter and Nadezhda always revolved around the Church and the Russian émigré community.  Peter was by this time regularly singing with Mikhail Ossorguine’s choir at the “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Sergius_Orthodox_Theological_Institute_(Paris,_France) Institut Saint-Serge]”.  When he discovered that one of the cathedral deacons was moving to the USA, Peter, with some prompting, petitioned for ordination.  

==Diaconal ordination, 1947==

On 25 September (8 October), 1947, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sergius_of_Radonezh Feast of Saint Sergius], Peter Grigroievitch Svetlovsky was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by [http://orthodoxwiki.org/Vladimir_(Tikhonitsky)_of_Paris Metropolitan Vladimir (Tikhonitsky)] in the Saint Sergius Institute in Paris.  


[[File:Saint Sergius Institute Paris 1.jpg]]  '''Saint Sergius Institute (Institut Saint-Serge) Paris'''

==Diaconal service==

At the Saint Sergius Institute, Deacon Peter immediately began an intensive 40-day programme of serving daily the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy  Divine Liturgy] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vespers Vespers], under the instruction of Mr. M M Ossorguine.  This 40-day programme of serving is what is customarily undertaken by all the newly-ordained men in all 3 major orders, where resources permit.  At this time, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral,_Paris Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral] maintained a clergy staff of a rector, 2 assistant priests, a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protodeacon  protodeacon] and a deacon, and there was a full cycle of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Daily_Cycle  daily services].  Father Peter soon was joined to the cathedral staff, where he was further trained by Protodeacon Nikolai Tikhomiroff (a well-known deacon who had been formed in Imperial Russia).  Father Peter also accompanied Vladyka Vladimir on his visits to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Patriarchal_Exarchate_for_Orthodox_Parishes_of_Russian_Tradition_in_Western_Europe Russian Exarchate]’s parishes throughout France.  


[[File:Boulevard Courcelles Paris Saint Alexander Nevsky 1.jpg]]  '''Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boulevard Courcelles, Paris'''


Both before his ordination, and following it, Father Peter worked independently as a masseur.  He had the blessing for this from Vladyka Metropolitan Vladimir, who had been saved by Father Peter from a particularly bad bout of lumbago the evening before they were to serve at the [http://www.monastere-bussy.org/ women’s monastery of the Protection] at [https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bussy-en-Othe Bussy-en-Othe].  He had some recollections of other occasions on which the Lord, through his hands, enabled people to recover more than quickly from a painful condition.  

Not entirely satisfied with his secular trade, Deacon Peter noticed that the making and repairing of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cassock cassocks] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vestments vestments] by the cathedral’s sisterhood (women’s auxiliary) left much to be desired.  As a result, Father Peter determined to master the art of vestment-making.  Thus began his famous career of outfitting metropolitans, bishops, priests, deacons, servers and seminarians on two continents.  A Svetlovsky cassock is still a standard of perfection.  They fit well, and they last well.  In this (and in all his endeavours), Father Peter was aided and supported by his wife, Matushka Nadezhda.  

In the course of their life, they received from the Lord 3 sons : Vladimir Petrovitch, Gregory Petrovitch, and Nicolas Petrovitch.  

Father Peter’s classic Russian bass voice is well-documented in the instance of the visit of the [[Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou) |Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras]] to the Paris cathedral.  Father Peter intoned the “Mnogaya Leta” (many years, polychronion) at the end of the Divine Liturgy, as usual.  However, when he came the last word “leta”, at the top of the scale and at his highest volume, the lights of the chandelier suddenly turned off — poof !  This was a story that he loved to re-tell with great humour and enthusiasm.  

Father Peter was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Deacon&redirect=no protodeacon] in Paris on the same day in 1952 that our [[Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) |Archbishop Sylvester]] was ordained to the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Episcopate Holy Episcopate] at the cathedral on the rue Daru.  It is said that Vladyka Sylvester related that he could thereafter always feel the bump on his forehead, which was acquired during the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Worship#Prostration prostrations], as Father Peter led him into the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Altar Altar], and 3 times “helped” him down to make each prostration.  In older days, it was almost a game for some who helped at ordinations, to be certain that the ordinand (of whatever rank) would be impressed by the occasion and always be able to remember it.  


[[File:Deacon Peter Svetlovsky in Liege, 1949.jpg]]

'''Deacon Peter Svetlovsky (first standing, on left) with Metropolitan Vladimir (Tikhonitsky) in Liège, Belgium, 1949'''

==Emigration and transfer to Canada, 1952==

By 1952, when many people were emigrating to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America North America], the Svetlovskys, also, had determined to leave Paris for that continent.  The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada Canadian] quota unexpectedly opened.  Therefore, with the blessing of Archbishop Vladimir, and under the sponsorship of someone in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal Montréal], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec Québec], they voyaged by ship to Canada, and they arrived in Montréal.  There, their friend and colleague, the [[Mitred Archpriest Oleg and Matushka Natalia Boldireff | Mitred Archpriest Oleg Boldireff]] (formerly the third priest at “rue Daru”) was the rector of the [[Montréal QC Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Sobor 1907 |Church of Saints Peter and Paul]].  After they settled, Father Peter and Matushka Nadezhda continued the service of vestment-making.  They worked together as a competent team.  

==Transfer to the USA, 1958==

In 1958, with an immigration invitation and affidavit from [[Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich)]], the Svetlovskys moved to the village of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Cliff,_New_York Sea Cliff] on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Island Long Island], which is not far from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyster_Bay_Cove,_New_York Oyster Bay Cove], where [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America] chancery offices were to develop.  In Sea Cliff, the demand for vestments was constant ; a house was purchased, where they established their home and business (they did their vestment-making and tailoring work in the basement of that house).  For very many years, Father Peter served at the [http://oca.org/parishes/oca-ny-sclolk Church of Our Lady of Kazan] in Sea Cliff, along with the [http://churchofourladyofkazan.org/father-leonid/ Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky].  He also often accompanied (and frequently drove) Metropolitans Leonty (Turkevich) and  [[Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)]] on their pastoral visits, and to special services.  

[[File:Holy Protection Cathedral New York City 1.jpg]]  '''Holy Protection Cathedral, New York City'''  [[File:Our Lady of Kazan Temple Sea Cliff 2.png]]  '''Our Lady of Kazan Temple, Sea Cliff, NY'''


One of the highest points of Father Peter’s career as a vestment-maker during this period of his life was the great honour bestowed on him in 1970, when, just prior to the [http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/Various_Photos/Glorification_of_St._Herman_of_Alaska/ glorification] of [[Saint Herman of Alaska]], he received a telegramme from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska  Alaska], in which he was asked to make the black [http://orthodoxwiki.org/Mantiya monastic mantiya] to cover the saint’s [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Relics relics].  He began immediately, and after working through the night, he was able to send the mantiya in the mail to Alaska the following morning.  


[[File:Screenshot 2017-04-21 09.05.38 Protodeacon Peter serving MontrealCBS.jpg]] 

'''Protodeacon Peter reading the Holy Gospel at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Montréal'''

==Retirement ; return to Canada, 1986==

In 1986, Father Peter and Matushka Nadezhda Svetlovsky retired from their active service (after having served for more than 35 years in the USA and Canada), and they moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa Ottawa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario] in order to be nearer to their children and grand-children.  Once again, Father Peter was serving together with his long-time colleague, the [[Mitred Archpriest Oleg and Matushka Natalia Boldireff |Mitred Archpriest Oleg Boldireff]], who was now the rector of the [[Ottawa ON Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church 1955-1987 |Church of Saint Nicholas]] in Ottawa, and which would soon become the diocesan cathedral.  Soon after his arrival, he accepted 2 persons as apprentices, who would learn this craft and trade, and who would try to carry on the tradition of quality which he had always maintained.  

When the Russian-language [[Ottawa ON Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church 1955-1987 |Church of Saint Nicholas]] and the English-language Mission of the [[Ottawa ON Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Mission 1980-1987 |Holy Transfiguration]] merged to form the present Cathedral Church of the [[Ottawa ON Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral 1955 |Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas]], Father Peter and Matushka Nadezhda continued to make their own special contribution to parish life.  Because they both had a very broad experience of life in the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Christian Church], both in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] and in North America, and because they both had excellently-functioning memories, those who had the blessing and privilege to visit their home were delighted and edified by their many stories about events and persons in our Church’s life.  The recollections came quickly, and they were told most entertainingly.  


[[File:Saint Nicholas Ottawa 2.png]]  '''Annunciation-Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Ottawa, Ontario''' (Sketch by Dmitry Apoukhtine)


However, towards the end of that decade, Father Peter’s health began to decline.  

Protodeacon Peter’s personality was certainly a strong personality ; indeed, his temper and stubbornness were legendary !  Nevertheless, this strength and determination were born of a deep devotion to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Jesus_Christ Christ] and to the Church.  His was a clear sense of what is right and what is wrong, what is appropriate and what is inappropriate.  This was based on his long experience and faithful service, right from childhood.  His life of service was always selfless.  There were many times when he was away from his family for periods of time, and he neglected his livelihood in order to drive or to serve with our metropolitans or other bishops who needed him in various dioceses and in various special events.  More often than not, he would pay his own way, and sometimes he would subsidise the travel costs of others.  He would also say that if a cleric or seminarian who lacked resources was in a particular need, he would make what was required at a very low (or no) cost to that person.  His experience was that the difference would be made up later by the voluntary generosity of someone else who had abundant resources.  His selfless attitude, and his provision for those in need were Biblical indeed.  

It may be said about Father Peter that his life-long dedication to the service of Christ and the Church was a dedication caught first from his own parents.  It was the foundation of his excellence as a vestment-maker.  It underlay his acts of charity.  It was the reason that he cared so much about serving correctly, and it emboldened him to teach and to correct others without hesitation.  As he became harder of hearing, his words of correction became more and more audible to those throughout the small Temple that was the Ottawa cathedral at that time.  This could produce some embarrassment, but it also produced both humour and affectionate memories.  Nevertheless, at the basis of all was the spirit of being ready to do God’s will, a spirit inspired by his parents, and a spirit which he embraced and continued.  

It was no secret that Father Peter did not care for the use of the English language or for some of the characteristic features of liturgical renewal in the OCA, just as his father before him could not tolerate some similar changes that had begun to occur in Finland.  Despite this, Father Peter persevered in his fidelity to Christ and the Church.  Precisely because of this, he remained to the end a witness of the ethos of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Church Russian Orthodox Church] which has been so influential in shaping the life of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Archdiocese of Canada].  

In due course, Father Peter’s deteriorating health and his great difficulty in breathing forced him into hospital.  When the time came for his end, Father Peter was ready, and well-prayed-for.  His family was nearby and praying, as was the Church.

==Repose of Protodeacon Peter Svetlovsky, 1995==

Protodeacon Peter Grigorievitch Svetlovsky reposed in Christ in Ottawa, Ontario on 7 July, 1995.  

In peace, he was gathered to his fathers.  Throughout the week-end in which his body lay in the midst of the cathedral in Ottawa while he was being prayed for, the Lord sent many a blessing of re-assurance and love to those who gathered.  Wonders of love occurred.  The truly paschal character which should mark the repose of every Christian believer indeed marked his falling asleep in the Lord.  The example of Father Peter and Matushka Nadezhda is important for us all to observe and to follow.  It is our responsibility to live a life which will enable those who follow us to “catch” the Orthodox Christian Faith which is rooted in love for Christ and His Church.  They caught this love from their parents, and they passed it to their sons.  It is the example of our lives in Christ which serves as the vehicle for our descendants to encounter the Lord, to encounter His love.  In living our lives in this way, in harmony with the love of the Lord, blessings from the Lord will touch the lives of those around us.  

Panikhidas, the Funeral Services, and the Memorial Divine Liturgy were offered for Father Peter at the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ottawa.  Afterwards, his body was interred at the Saint Nicholas Section of the [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cangmg/ontario/eastont/ottawest/ottawa/pinecres/index.htm Pinecrest Cemetery] in Ottawa. 

In 2015, the Archpriest Andrew Morbey shared with some friends some recollections about Protodeacon Peter Svetlovksy on the day of the anniversary of his repose.  At the time of Father Peter’s repose, Father Andrew was the Dean of the Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas in Ottawa.  Following are some of his comments, slightly edited for these purposes :
  Some of the older clergy of the OCA in the USA and Canada might have a cassock or vestment made by him 
  (they endure !) or have heard of him and his wife.  Protodeacon Peter and his sweet wife Nadia were the very 
  incarnation, the epitome, of the émigré Russians who came through western Europe, Paris in particular.  It is 
  said that he brought the chandelier at 'Rue Daru' crashing down.  As the New York Times might say : 'It ought 
  to be true [....] Perhaps it was !'  [In fact, Father Peter said that it was on the occasion of his intoning the 
  'Many Years' at the end of the Divine Liturgy when the Patriarch of Constantinople visited that all the lights 
  in the chandelier suddenly went off when he reached his highest and loudest pitch — ed.]  
  
  I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to know them, to be corrected and inspired by them, to eat and drink 
  and spend so many wonderful lunches and dinners with them.  I think that the Archdiocese of Canada might just 
  have something written to remember him, to celebrate them, I hope.  I had the blessing to wash down his body 
  when he died, and to vest him.  The nakedness of another clergyman is a humbling, moving experience.  (I once 
  washed the body of a priest who died from an appalling hepatitis.  He was in a body bag, we were clothed in 
  'hazmat' protective clothing.  It was awkward, yet deeply moving.  But not at all like washing down dear 
  Father Protodeacon, with whom I had made innumerable toasts [...]).  [Of course, the washing of the body includes 
  putting clothes on him, and vesting him as a deacon.— ed.]  I never actually served with Father Peter, as far 
  as I remember.  He was, by then, too frail.  However, he came and sat in the altar, breathing from a portable 
  oxygen tank, and we were terrified that everything might explode.  Week in, week out — terror !  But at home, 
  regaling us with stories !  Sweet Matushka !  She was the very soul of that marriage.  I really learned the best 
  of Russian cuisine from her, but also the true meaning of commitment in marriage and to the typikon [...].  
  Father Peter was wonderful — but impossible, really.  May his memory be eternal !  May God grant every blessing 
  to his now surely terribly infirm Nadia ? - or Nadine, as I think the passport said.  The last I spoke to her, 
  a few years ago, she was rather confused. [Nadine is the French rendering of Nadezhda, or its affectionate 
  form, Nadia.  At the end of her life, Matushka Nadezhda was, indeed, quite frail from arthritis, quite 
  hard of hearing, and suffering from short-term memory loss at the age of 96 (in 2017).  However, she 
  remained as faithful, serious and sweet as ever.  She was amazed that she had lived to be 90, and then 
  said that if the Lord had blessed this much, she would accept the gift of however much more He would give.— ed.]  
  
  P.S.  After his repose, as he lay in his casket in the postage stamp cathedral (as it was then), over a 
  Sunday, and with everyone downstairs for coffee hour, I heard from the Altar where I was slowly unvesting, 
  2 small children alone and unminded, discussing his nose, which they could see rising above the casket.  
  It was a serious conversation.  It was so pure and beautiful !  
  Archpriest Andrew Morbey

For many years after the repose of her husband, Matushka Nadezhda very determinedly continued to make her way to the Temple for worship.  Most of the time, she worshipped at the cathedral in Ottawa, where she had many friends (and admiring children of parishioners).  Sometimes she went to the Church of Saint Xenia in Kanata, where her son attended.  When she came, she always carried her Slavonic texts with her so that, despite her increasingly poor hearing, she would be able to follow the service (which she nevertheless knew by heart).  As her arthritis worsened, she progressed from walking with a cane to walking with a walker, and then very obviously struggling to walk with the walker.  Her presence in the Temple was a heart-warming and encouraging one for those who were attending.  The many children in particular were loved by her, and they loved and respected her.  She gave them a visible and wordless example about how to live as a Christian.  


[[File:2018-0630-m-nadezhda-svetlovsky.jpg]]  '''Matushka Nadezhda at age 90 years'''


From the time of her widowhood, Matushka Nadezhda was also a serious parish visitor.  She regularly visited senior or ailing parishioners in their homes or in the hospital.  Often she would ensure that the parish priest was aware that someone needed his attention.  Her visits which were always accompanied by her Christian love, were  not only appreciated, but they were also anticipated by those she encountered.  Through her, many shut-ins were kept connected with parish life and news, and they were confident that they were remembered and cared-for.  She did this until it was impossible for her to continue because of the intensity of the arthritic pain.  She was an excellent example of Christian love and hospitality.  

Ultimately, both her painful joints and the unavoidable stairs kept her from being present in the Temple, and it was necessary for the clergy to visit her regularly in the nursing-home where she now resided (not far from her former home in Orléans).  Always serious, stable, and loving, she always spoke directly and honestly.  Regardless, it is very difficult to reach such an age and to be effectively alone and isolated by arthritis and deafness.  It is especially difficult when her close friends have come to a similar condition, and there are few to visit her.  As such people have lovingly cared for us, so we must care for them.  

Those who visited her have shared stories about her joy and love.  

Some who visited Matushka Nadezhda got the impression that she was not remembering very well.  However, it was not necessarily so.  Living in a nursing-home is extremely different from living at home.  The things which support our sense of continuity at home may be lacking, and the daily rhythm is very different.  Matushka was able to recognise many people she knew, and she would ask about people who were relatives and friends of those who did visit.  She was always joyful.

==Repose of Matushka Nadezhda Svetlovsky, 2018==

On 30 June, 2018, on her 97th birthday, Matushka Nadezhda Nikolaievna Svetlovsky fell asleep in the Lord.  She had suddenly been hospitalised because of pneumonia.  Two of her sons, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/svetlovsky-priest-nicolas-p Priest Nicholas], and Gregory were able to be with her.  

On Monday, 2 July, 2018 the Panikhida (memorial service) was offered at the cathedral in Ottawa.

On Tuesday, 3 July, 2019, the Funeral Service was offered at the cathedral.  This was followed by the interment in the Saint Nicholas section of the Pinecrest Cemetery.  Matushka Nadezhda was interred next to her husband.



[[File:Matushka Svetlovsky-14413- S.jpg]]  '''Matushka Nadezhda Svetlovsky, Pascha, 2015'''


Perhaps many would agree that Matushka Nadezhda lived up to the meaning of her name (Nadezhda means in English, "Hope").  


[[File:Svetlovsky 20170415 105733 hdrS.jpg]] '''Grave-marker at the cemetery'''

==Reflections==

A year before the repose of Father Peter, the [https://www.oca.org/clergy/Andrew-Morbey/ Archpriest Andrew Morbey] (at that time, Dean of Ontario and Dean of the Cathedral of the Annunciation-Saint Nicholas) wrote about the Svetlovsky family :    
  There was a marked absence at the Ottawa Cathedral earlier this year : Protodeacon Peter Svetlovsky missed the 
  Paschal service for the first time.  Frequently requiring oxygen, and with his hearing somewhat impaired, he 
  has become more or less housebound.  Still, his is a tall and imposing figure, and he is a fine raconteur.  
  Visiting Father Peter and Matushka Nadezhda at their home east of Ottawa, enjoying their splendid hospitality 
  and good conversation, is a real blessing.  Father Peter’s diaconate has been in the classic Russian style : a 
  massive, spine-tingling bass voice, a comprehensive knowledge of the typicon and rubrics, a real flair for 
  serving.  The Svetlovskys represent an important part of the heritage of our archdiocese : the Russian émigrés 
  in Paris, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Exarchate_in_Western_Europe Russian Exarchate]   of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarchate], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Exarchate_in_Western_Europe Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral] on the 
  rue Daru, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Sergius_Orthodox_Theological_Institute Saint Sergius Institute], but above all the selfless commitment that serves the Church in many 
  small but ever-so-important ways.  

After the repose of Matushka Nadezhda, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/scratch-archpriest-gregory Archpriest Gregory Scratch] in Manitoba (Dean of [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/manitoba Manitoba]-[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/saskatchewan Saskatchewan] and [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/nunavut Nunavut]) published this comment in his parish blog : 
  Not many of you might have ever known Matushka Nadezhda, or ever heard of her.  Yet it is people like her 
  that are those examples of patience, love and generosity, that manifest what it is to be a Christian.  
  Born in 1921 in the middle of a revolution in Russia, then growing up as a refugee in Paris, France 
  (where she even dated Fr. Alexander Schmemann), she always sought out the Lord, and placed her trust 
  in Him regardless of struggle, poverty, war, and sorrow. 
  
  She married Peter Svetlovsky, who in time served as Protodeacon in France and Canada, helping him as 
  tailor making vestments.  Her quiet, loving concern for children was demonstrated by the many blankets 
  and sweaters she would knit and give away, despite her weak and trembling hands, and her devotion to 
  prayer for those in need marked the lives of those around her.  
  
  I have many memories of her, but the most profound was after a Vespers service one summer afternoon. 
  There was nothing remarkable about that Vespers, no feast of which I can remember, and the Church only 
  had a handful of people.  As we were leaving Vespers I said goodbye to her, and wished her a good 
  evening.  There was a pause in her response, and she smiled with such beauty and love, almost glowing, 
  and said 'how could I not'.  She continued to recite the prayer of [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2001/02/03/100409-holy-righteous-simeon-the-god-receiver St. Symeon] that we sing every night 
  at Vespers :
  	Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace,
  	according to Your word,
  	for my eyes have seen Your salvation,
  	a Light to lighten the Gentiles,
  	and the Glory of Your people Israel. 
  Again she paused, then continued with such beautiful sincerity  'I can die tonight having beheld His 
  salvation'. 
  
  Although she didn't die that evening (for which I was thankful), this is how she greeted every day and 
  night of her life ; beholding the love of God for her, and for the world around her, and His saving 
  victory.  What a way to see one's life !
  
  May we strive to live with this joy, that even in adversity, brings a beautiful smile, and confession of 
  the Lord's salvation laid before our very eyes. 
  May her memory be eternal ! 

Further to the comments of Father Gregory, the [https://www.archdiocese.ca/clergy/griggs-archpriest-james Archpriest James Griggs] recalled a conversation at the time of the repose of Father Peter : 
  Before the funeral, I approached Matushka Nadezhda and asked her how she was coping.  She gave a brief 
  positive response at first.  However, after the funeral, she approached me and she explained to me : 'I 
  was thinking about the words of the Cherubic Hymn.  Now, Father Peter has put aside all earthly cares.  
  He is before the Lord, and he can serve Him without any distraction or interruption.  So I am very happy 
  for him'.

==References==

[http://www.archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com1994-1.5-1.pdf "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Winter, 1994/1995)]

[http://archbishop-of-ottawa.org/messenger/Com1995-4.6-4.pdf "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Autumn, 1995)]


'''Additional information: '''

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Ottawa_ON_Annunciation_to_the_Theotokos-Saint_Nicholas_Orthodox_Cathedral_1955 Comments in the Ottawa cathedral parish history]

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Montréal_QC_Saints_Peter_and_Paul_Russian_Orthodox_Sobor_1907 Comments in the parish history of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Montréal]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Declaration_of_Independence Independence of the Finnish Grand Duchy]

[[Ottawa ON Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral 1955 |Ottawa cathedral article]] section regarding Protodeacon Peter

[https://oca.org/in-memoriam/matushka-nadezhda-svetlovsky OCA "In Memoriam" announcement, 2 July, 2018]

[https://necrocanada.com/obituaries-2018/matushka-nadezhda-svetlovsky-nee-apouchtine-2018/ Necrocanada obituary, 2 July, 2018] 

[https://www.orthodox.net/ustav/bulgakov-deacon.html Article about the Bulgakov Handbook's description of the Holy Diaconate] 

[[Metropolitan Evlogiy (Georgievsky)]]

[https://www.translatetheweb.com/?from=ru&to=en&ref=SERP&dl=en&rr=UC&a=https%3a%2f%2fru.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2f%25D0%2592%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B0%25D0%25B4%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BC%25D0%25B8%25D1%2580_%28%25D0%25A2%25D0%25B8%25D1%2585%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B8%25D1%2586%25D0%25BA%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B9%29 Metropolitan Vladimir (Tikhonitsky)] 

[[Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish)]] 

[[Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor)]] 

[[Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)]] 

[[Mitred Archpriest Oleg and Matushka Natalia Boldireff |Archpriest Oleg Boldireff]] 

[[Igumen John (Scratch) |Archpriest John Scratch]] 

[https://www.oca.org/clergy/Andrew-Morbey/ Archpriest Andrew Morbey] 

[https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2021/04/while-all-seminaries-in-russia-were.html#more YMCA silent films from 1920s-1930s about the Institut Saint-Serge de Paris, and the RSCM Summer Camp (posted by John Sanidopoulos)] 

[https://www.newspapers.com/image/464809637/?terms=Svetlovsky The obituary of Protodeacon Peter Svetlovsky was published in the “Ottawa Citizen” on 8 July, 1995, p. 70]   

[https://www.archdiocese.ca/articles/memoriam-matushka-nadezhda-svetlovsky Archdiocese of Canada “In Memoriam : Matushka Nadezhda Svetlovsky”]    

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral,_Paris The Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris, France]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Sergius_Orthodox_Theological_Institute_(Paris,_France) The Saint Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris, France]  

[[Montréal QC Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Sobor 1907 |Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Montréal, Québec]]  

[[Ottawa ON Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral 1955 |The Annunciation to the Theotokos – Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Ottawa, Ontario]]  

[https://www.oca.org/parishes/oca-ny-sclolk Church of our Lady of Kazan in Sea Cliff, New York]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America Orthodoxwiki article about The Orthodox Church in America]  

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada Orthodoxwiki article about the Archdiocese of Canada]  




[[Category:Clergy]]  [[Category:MP]]  [[Category:EP]]  [[Category:ADOCA]]  [[Category:ROGCCNA]]  [[Category:OCA]]