Fr. Dimitri Sever

Passed away peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2019 at the age of 85. Father Dimitri Sever was born on 5 July, 1933, in the village of Kogagёl, Turkey. In 1949, he married Irena Bandirovskoy. After serving in the Turkish army (1952-1954) in the city of Izmir, in June, 1957, he emigrated to Mainz-Weisenau, Germany where he studied engineering, enabling him to afterwards support his family. In June, 1965, Father Dimitri Sever, his wife and her parents immigrated to Canada. Father Dimitri Sever began and completed a correspondence course of theological studies with the Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary in Jordanville, New York. On 9 October, 1966, Dimitri Sever was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Archbishop Vitaly Ustinov of Montréal and Canada, of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. On 1 February, 1970, the Deacon Dimitri Sever was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Vitaly Ustinov. The Priest Dimitri Sever was immediately assigned to serve in Ottawa, Ontario, where he began to develop the newly-established community of the Protection of the Theotokos. From 1970 to 1985, Father Dimitri was assigned to serve as the dean of the ROCOR parishes in Canada. In 1985, Father Dimitri began the construction of the new Temple complex and Russian spiritual centre in Ottawa, the Memorial Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin. Father Dimitri was well known for helping Russian-speaking refugees and immigrants to establish themselves in Canada. Father Dimitri will forever be our dear Batushka, FATHER, our mentor, the core of our community and family unit. His presence reminded us of his undeniable love for people and the well-being of humanity as a whole. His determination to unite people has driven him to build a community of Brothers and Sisters. A man of great faith, he never gave up, but battled through adversities and numerous health issues while always maintaining his dedication to his Parish; for that is what he loved and lived for. He will be deeply missed by many, and remembered as a warm, generous and kind soul and beloved Father to many. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers and sisters, and his wife, matushka Irena. He is survived by his daughter Tatiana (Vladimir) and Michael, as well as numerous extended family members, church members, acquaintances and friends. Prayers will be held on Wednesday April 3 2019 at 6:30 pm on 412 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7K7 and on Thursday April 4 2019 at 10 am on 412 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7K7, followed by a Funeral Mass which will be held at Pinecrest Cemetery at 2500 Baseline Rd, Ottawa ON K2C 3H9 with His Grace Bishop Irenee officiating.