Back in October we asked you to help the widowed Matushka Alexandra pay for the funeral expenses of Fr. John Moses. You heard the call for help and you answered. Not only were you able to cover the costs, but thanks to your generosity, we now have the Fr. John Moses Funeral Grant for clergy families faced with similar situations. Matushka Alexandra was extremely touched by your kindheartedness. Here's what she had to say:

Dear in Christ,

Please accept my humble thanks to God, The Fund for Assistance, The Eastern American Diocese, and St. Elizabeth’s Church for the most generous financial gifts to help with the expenses of Fr. John’s unexpected repose.

I have never in my life experienced such Grace from God, as during these last 4 months. Not only from the unexpected bountiful gift of love and care for Fr. John and our little family, but also by the presence of Metropolitan’s Hilarion and Jonah, a multitude of Archpriests, Priests, Deacons and Monks who ministered to us throughout those early days of remembering my beloved husband through prayers and services. I cannot fail to mention what an amazing blessing Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Richard were to me immediately upon the repose of Fr. John and in all the planning and preparations that lay ahead. There have also been countless letters, emails, phone calls and one on one talks with people known and unknown to me, from around the world, telling me how Father John touched their lives in some way or another. Each one is near and dear to my heart and brings Father John closer to me with every reading.

The beautiful Icon of the Protection of the Theotokos ... resides over my bed, and her watching over me is of great comfort whether I be praying for her intercession and protection in my wakefulness or as I sleep. I went from having a full house, to being alone within a few short weeks. So, to have this precious Icon of our Lady and of my Guardian Angel watching over me, from opposite sides of my room, brings me much peace.

As most know, my elderly parents had been living with us for the past 3 years. On the 40th Day of Fr. John’s repose, following the Liturgy, graveside Pannikhida and Celebration of his life, I returned home to find my father hallucinating and fretful. I immediately took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. After several hospital admissions over a 2-week time period and following the advice of my Dad’s heart physician and many family members, it became necessary to place my parents into an assisted living facility. Truly by God’s grace, a 2-BR apartment was immediately found available and with the help of numerous cousins, we moved my parents into their new home within two days. At 94 and 95, and given their mental and physical disabilities, it has not been an easy transition. Yet, again, by God’s grace and the intercession of the Theotokos, they are being well cared for and mostly cooperative. They do still depend on me to come see them each day. Between work and visiting them, my very caring neighbors see so little of me, they assumed I had moved.

I wanted to share this because, as it was related in the FFA appeal, my parents paid for Fr. John’s funeral, since I did not have the funds to do so.

I am truly thankful that through the success of the FFA, Fr. John Moses Grant appeal, future clergy families will experience the same grace, love and peace as I have been blessed to receive.

May our good God, pour his blessings upon each and everyone one of you for your love and labors for Christ and His Church.

With love in Christ to all, your most unworthy sister in Christ,

Mat. Alexandra Moses