I received a text this morning informing me that a much-loved priest of Belmont Abbey (English Benedictine Congregation), Fr Dyfrig Harris, died of a massive stroke last night (Monday, 23 January). He was in his early sixties.

Having taught for many years in the monastery school, and written icons of genuine beauty, Fr Dyfrig served as a priest in both the Latin and Byzantine Rites, having given an incalculable service to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic community in Gloucester over the course of many years. Indeed, as the UGC priest in Gloucester became increasingly infirm, Fr Dyfrig would drive over from the monastery in Hereford whenever he was needed to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. Indeed, he was coming over to concelebrate in Gloucester right up until November of this past year.

In recent times, my wife and I were delighted when he was given permission by his abbot, together with the Ukrainian bishop, to stand as my second-to-last son's godfather. [Many of you will know that monks are not generally permitted to act as godparents.]

I personally, my wife and children, and the entire Ukrainian Catholic Church - not mention Fr Dyfrig's monastery and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in which it is situated - has lost a dear, dear friend and holy priest.

His immense and playful good humour, his unwavering yet comprehending faith, and his magnificent beard will be sorely missed.

Vichnaya pamyat.

Indeed.

Memory Eternal!

Memory Eternal

As beautifully accounted in the OP, a faithful servant of God, who will undoubtedly be missed by many.

May his memory be eternal!

May the memory of the Lord's servant, the Hieromonk Dyfrig, be eternal and may the Lord reward him in His Kingdom for the years of faithful service given to God's people.

I am sorry for your loss. May the memory of Hieromonk Dyfrig be eternal in the Kingdom of God! Amen.

Eternal Memory