We pray for the repose of the soul of + Gabriel Zihal, Cantor Emeritus and Choir Director of St. Mary's BCC in Hillsborough, NJ, who has fallen asleep in the Lord at the age of 88.

Gabe dedicated well over 50 years of his life in service to his church as cantor and choir director. He was well known, well regarded and particularly beloved among his peers and throughout the NJ/NY/PA circles of the Eparchy of Passaic, in particular. He continued to support his fellow cantors, many choir members and more than a few proteges even well after his retirement, remaining active in the life of his parish and in the Byzantine Catholic community.

His memory will live on through his work with this those who have studied with and learned so much from him, and in the recorded work of his choir (Slavic Liturgical and Folk Music is available on iTunes).

Funeral arrangement are through Ketusky Funeral home, located just one block away from the Hillsborough parish church on Brooks Blvd. The Parastas is scheduled for 7:30pm on Friday evening July 20 and the Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am at Saint Mary's church, Brooks Blvd, Hillsborough on Saturday, July 21.

Eternal memory! Vičnaja jemu pamjat!

O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who have trampled death, and overthrown the devil, and granted life to Your world; now, O Lord, give rest to the souls of Your servant, the chanter Gabriel, who has fallen asleep, in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of refreshment, whence all pain, sorrow, and sighing have fled away.

O God, as You are good and the Lover of Mankind, forgive every sin committed by him, in word or deed or thought, for there is no man who lives and who does not sin. For You alone are without sin, Your righteousness is everlasting righteousness, and Your word is truth.

For You are the resurrection and the life, and the repose of Your servant, the chanter Gabriel, who has fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and to You we send up glory, together with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

Amen. Eternal Memory! Vičnaja jemu pamjat!

May the memory of the Lord's servant, the Cantor Gabriel, be eternal.