Beloved Pastor and Composer Archpriest George Johnson Laid to Rest
A beloved priest and pioneering composer of English Orthodox liturgical music was laid to rest as clergy and faithful honored his lifelong service to the Church.
BELTSVILLE, MD — Clergy and faithful from across the Eastern American Diocese gathered Friday, March 13, to bid farewell to the newly reposed Archpriest George Johnson, who fell asleep in the Lord on March 9 at the age of 78. The Funeral Rite for a Priest was served by Archpriest Victor Potapov, dean of the Capital Region, together with 11 priests and four deacons, while Metr. Jonah (Paffhausen) prayed in the church.
Family members, parishioners, and spiritual children filled the church as the choir offered solemn hymns honoring Fr. George’s decades-long contribution to English Orthodox liturgical music and translations. At the conclusion of the service, Metr. Jonah conveyed condolences from Metr. Nicholas of Eastern America and New York and delivered a homily of comfort.
Eulogies were also offered by Fr. Victor, Archimandrite John (Townsend), and Fr. George’s son, Priest Christopher Johnson. The beloved pastor was laid to rest beside the historic chapel and property acquired by his parish for its future church home.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Fr. Kyril of St. Tikhon’s Monastery reposed at 79.
