Thoughts on the St. Panteleimon Ministry: Lea Khoury

Nora (not her real name) was truly one of a kind. She was a classy lady with an old-world elegance. She grew up in Istanbul, the daughter of Armenian aristocratic parents. She knew 6 languages fluently and was one of the only women of her era to receive a college education in business. I met Nora when she was 90 years old as a neighbor on my street in the Cleveland area. We became fast friends despite our age difference and quickly learned that we shared the Orthodox Faith. Nora hadn't been to church in quite some time and longed to reconnect with her faith. She couldn't drive and was essentially homebound. I tried taking her to church with me on a handful of occasions, but it was very difficult for her to get around. A broken hip a little while later led to her moving to Westlake Village. It was not the home she desired, but it turned out to be a great blessing. For the next several years, Nora became an active participant in the St. Panteleimon ministry. She would look forward to every Saturday service offered at Westlake Village. I had the privilege of attending some of these services with Nora, and it was beautiful to watch her face light up as she did the sign of the cross or said the Lord's Prayer and the Creed with great conviction. She was so grateful, as was I, that she could once again be an active participant in a community of faithful people. Nora was blessed with a few more years but passed away in the fall of 2015. I truly believe that the ministry of St. Panteleimon played a critical role in Nora's life. During her final years, months, weeks, and days, Nora was able to refocus on our Lord Jesus Christ and participate in the prayers of His Holy Church. Through St Panteleimon's ministry, God gave Nora, and all of us who knew and loved her, a great gift: she was able to use the last season of her life to prepare herself for eternity.