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

Greetings and Update from Fr. Victor

August 16, 2005
"Not made by hands" Icon of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Dear friends,

My last update promised to be, well, the last one. At the beginning of June, my health condition seemed great, the cancer was declared in remission, and we didn’t see why it shouldn’t stay that way. I enjoyed a couple of months of a fully active life, normal in every aspect. I celebrated divine services and worked around our house in Healdsburg. But the absolute highlight of that blessed period was the celebration of the wedding of our son, Philip, and his wonderful bride, April Marie, on June 12! We are all so grateful to God for granting me life and strength to officiate at this happy event. Frankly, at the beginning of the year, we didn’t have much hope for this.

Unfortunately, since the last report the situation has changed for the worse. The cancer is active again, as my physical condition and the tests show. At this time, the doctors have no acceptable or promising therapies to offer, only straws to grab at. And it doesn’t seem worthy of a man to grab at every straw… Resuming chemotherapy would “give a few months.” Not doing chemo promises about the same, but without the debilitating side effects. It all comes down to my already firmly established belief that all is in the hands of God and that your loving prayers and concern make a world of difference.

Meanwhile, Barbara is taking family medical leave from her teaching job, which will give her the chance to be completely available to the family during these remaining months.

Relying on your prayers and the mercy of God,

With love, Fr. Victor

Last modified: August 17, 2005 - webmaster@holy-trinity.org.