Некролог +Диакон Михаил Бишоп

+Deacon Michael Bishop

On Sunday, September 19, the feast of the Miracle of Archangel Michael at Colossae (Chonae), Deacon Michael Bishop, cleric of Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore, MD and member of the Bishop's Council of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, suddenly reposed in the Lord.

Ordained on September 23, 2007, Deacon Michael always served at the holy altar with reverence, love, and deep faith. He assiduously compiled service books for all the major feasts and normal cycle of services in both English and Church Slavonic. He was always well prepared for every Divine Service. Also known as the “photo-deacon”, Deacon Michael never went anywhere without a camera. Whether he was coming to the church for a usual Sunday liturgy or attending special events, Deacon Michael never wanted to miss an opportunity to capture that perfect picture.

In addition to his liturgical responsibilities at Holy Trinity Church, Deacon Michael coordinated a variety of charitable projects at the parish, such as collecting winter coats for men in the Baltimore City Detention Center and toys and school supplies for the children of women in the Detention Center. Also, for many years, he collected and distributed warm clothing items like hats, scarves, and socks to the city’s homeless population. Furthermore, he volunteered countless hours in support of the many programs, activities, and fundraisers at Holy Trinity Church, touching the lives of hundreds of families.

Deacon Michael volunteered and worked in various places helping people in need. In Baltimore, he was secretary of the Transit Riders League (a project of Citizens Planning and Housing Association) and the Transit Riders Action Council. He was also an active member of the Baltimore Region Transportation Board and a member of the East Baltimore Drug Free Community Coalition. He actively engaged with the Rose Street Community Center and regularly attended meetings of several neighborhood associations. He tirelessly advocated for his neighbors, appealing to various offices and agencies of local government.

Since 2015 he volunteered at the chaplaincy program of the Baltimore City Police Department. As Police Chaplain, he rode along in police vehicles responding to a variety of calls. He counseled people experiencing house fires, automobile accidents, assaults, and other traumatic events.

In his humble and sincere demeanor, Deacon Michael was well respected by his fellow Orthodox clergy in the Baltimore and Washington DC regions and throughout many Orthodox communities in the US. He was kind, compassionate, attentive to the needs of others, and genuinely warm. Conversations with him were always authentic, honest, and sincere. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be eternal.

Funeral Arrangements

Location
Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church
1723 E. Fairmount Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21231

Visitation
Friday, September 24, 2021
6:00 – 9:00 PM

Panikhida at 7:30 PM

Funeral Service
Saturday, September 25, 2021

10:00 AM

Committal
Holy Trinity Orthodox Cemetery
6480 Elibank Drive
Elkridge, MD 21075

Immediately after the burial, a remembrance meal will be offered in the large outdoor pavilion at the cemetery. Everyone is warmly invited.

Donation Request

Holy Trinity Church humbly requests contributions to help our parish meet the funeral expenses for Deacon Michael. Excess funds will be used to support the charitable projects Deacon Michael coordinated. Thank you!

Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church
1723 Fairmount Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21231

Recommended florist
Essex Florist and Greenhouses
410-686-8842

Please request flower delivery to the church for late afternoon Friday.