Then at Holy Trinity Cathedral, in April, we hosted a very enriching Bible seminar given by another friend and former professor of mine from St. Vladimir's, Fr. Paul Tarazi.Holy Trinity Cathedral
See also: Original announcement; Unction Service 2005; February Update; March Update; April Update; May Update; June Update; August Update; Unction Service 2006
Christ is risen!
A whole month has passed since our last update, and what month! In April, I was able to travel to New York -- to participate in the Metropolitan Council meeting and to have a visit with my son's family at St. Vladimir's Seminary. Both encounters were joyous and very meaningful for me. At the Metropolitan Council meeting, I was able to thank the leadership of The Orthodox Church in America and all my brothers and sisters in Christ for their incredible and generous support. At St. Vladimir's Seminary, I had the joyous opportunity to concelebrate Divine Liturgy with my dear old teacher, Fr. Paul Lazor, and other seminary clergy, standing at the very same Altar at which I was ordained twenty-one years ago. I also greatly enjoyed the time I spent with my grandson, Nicholas Vladimir, and his wonderful parents! At first, it wasn't clear if I could or should take a long air flight, considering the state of my lungs, but I am glad I did! It was kind of a turning point in my fight against the disease.
Then at Holy Trinity Cathedral, in April, we hosted a very enriching Bible seminar given by another friend and former professor of mine from St. Vladimir's, Fr. Paul Tarazi.
And then there was the conclusion of Great Lent, Palm Sunday and Holy Week, and finally the feast of feasts, Holy Pascha! There was a full, "cathedral" cycle of services, presided over by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Benjamin of Berkeley. And I was almost able to "normally" concelebrate with His Grace!
Now, this tells something about my physical condition, does it not? When they ask my wife, Barbara, "How is your husband?" and she replies, "He is much better," the inquirers usually nod compassionately, with understanding on their faces. They assume that the answer means that I am not feeling too badly that day, that I don't have some nasty pain or that other symptoms are subdued in one way or another... It is, indeed, difficult to imagine what a marvelous improvement has occurred in my condition in just one month.
Slightly more than a month ago, as you may recall, Barbara and I made a serious decision -- to discontinue conventional cancer treatment, that is to stop all chemotherapy and radiation. This step was not taken lightly. It is much easier to give yourself up to the medical specialists and let your life and death be their responsibility. Getting out of the radiation and chemo facilities, Barbara and I loaded this responsibility on our own shoulders. We reclaimed my life and placed our hope in God.
On a practical level this means that, relying on the prayers of many known and even unknown friends in Christ, and praying ourselves, we are now focusing on those resources, which are from God. You probably know that cancerous cells form in every living body, and that in every living body, "good" cells constantly fight against those "bad" cells. We are working hard to improve my overall strength and well-being, and to stimulate the activity of my immune system. I receive strength from both the spiritual realm -- your prayers are so essential here! -- and from physical sources.
Guided by Dr. Tomas Cowan, MD, we work to strengthen my organism by natural remedies, like Iscador, and dietary supplements, but mostly by eating rightly (an excellent source is "Nourishing Traditions," by Sally Fallon). It takes considerable time and energy to keep the necessary dietary regime, and of course our insurance does not cover the cost of alternative therapies, but as I stated earlier, all of this is already bearing fruit. With the exception of my collapsed lower left lung and paralyzed left side of my diaphragm, my whole body works well, very well indeed. This is not a delusion. I can eat, I can sleep, I am not constantly tired and freezing, as I was just a month ago. I feel like a man again. I serve in my beloved Holy Trinity Cathedral and pastorally attend to my dear parishioners, and I work in my garden and around our house doing things I thought I will never be able to do again.
Last Friday, I had an appointment with my oncologist. He and his receptionist almost didn't recognize me at first. "What are you doing?" asked my astonished doctor...
My friends, a month ago, I was dying of stage-four lung cancer. Today, I am living with stage-four lung cancer. And Barbara and I are fully determined to have it like this and better -- tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and month after month, as long as God allows me to be here. There is much to be done. For example, less than a month from now I will perform the marriage of our son, Philip, and his beautiful fiancee, April Marie. And then we have three daughters yet to be married. And then, God willing, some twenty more grandchildren to be baptized .... give or take a few.
I am just afraid that some people may decide that prayers are not needed any more. Please don't stop praying! It is thanks to your prayers and God's great mercy, that I can make this incredibly positive update. Nevertheless, stage-four cancer will always be a stage-four cancer. It will never be reduced to stage three or two; and there is no stage five. Please don't get tired of praying for me.
With love in the risen Lord,
Fr. Victor
Last modified: May 14, 2005 - webmaster@holy-trinity.org.