William Safchuk

William (Protodeacon Basil) Safchuk, of Bethesda, MD, formerly of Peabody, MA, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, July 14, 2016. He was 92. Protodeacon Basil was born on March 15, 1924 in Peabody, MA and was the son of the late Alexander Safchuk and Rosalie (nee Biskup) Safchuk.

He was a WWII veteran, having entered the European theater at Normandy Beach.  After being honorably discharged from the Army Corp of Engineers, he found work with Eastman Kodak in the quality control lab for film emulsions.  Almost 20 years later, he switched careers and began teaching science at Salem High School (Salem, MA).  Upon retirement at age 62, he enrolled in the Orthodox Church’s Diaconal Vocations Program.  Having successfully completed his studies, he was ordained a deacon and entered into the most fulfilling part of his career.  He served for over 25 years in this capacity and enjoyed it immensely.  Eventually, after having been blessed with the rank of “Protodeacon”, his health required him to retire from active service.

Protodeacon Basil is survived by his loving son, Rev. Gregory Safchuk of Bethesda, MD and his wife, Matushka Alexandra; three devoted grandsons, Nathaniel Safchuk and his wife, Sherry of West Hills, CA Benjamin Safchuk of Richmond, VA  Alexander Safchuk of Washington, DC; and adorable great grandson, Christopher Safchuk.  Protodeacon Basil is preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Claudia, two brothers, Edward and Peter Safchuk and sister, Ann.

The family will receive friends at the St. Mark Orthodox Church, 7124 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817, on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  A memorial service will take place at 7:00 pm. A Funeral service will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 64 Forrester Street, Salem, MA 01970 on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Iconography Fund at St. Mark Orthodox Church, Bethesda, MD 20817.  May his memory be eternal!

 For more information please visit the Orthodox Church in America's website at https://oca.org/in-memoriam/protodeacon-basil-safchuk

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