56th Conference Honors Fr. John Limbeson, First National A.R.O.Y. President

In observance of the falling asleep in the Lord of the first National President of A.R.O.Y., Rev. Fr. John Limbeson, the delegates to the 56th A.R.O.Y. Conference passed the following resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

     At its founding Convention on September 30, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, The American Romanian Orthodox Youth elected its first National President, John M. Limbeson.  Along with the eager and dedicated support of the youth of The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, he led the ground-breaking organization through its formative years, 1950-1954, giving freely and generously of his time, labor and selfless love.

     After his time in A.R.O.Y., the Church continued to be a central focus in his life.  He lived a very active life, raising a family together with his wife, Betty, and working in his professional field, but always remained just as active in the life of the Church as a layman.  By God’s Grace, he was ordained into the Holy Diaconate in 1980, serving faithfully in that capacity until being ordained until the Holy Priesthood in 1985.  Fr. John wholeheartedly served parishes in Pomona, California, and Indianapolis, Indiana; served on the Episcopate Council and as Treasurer of the Episcopate; and was appointed by Archbishop Nathaniel to serve as Spiritual Advisor of National A.R.O.Y. from 1993 until 1995, offering not only spiritual guidance but also his valuable experience and “grandfatherly” encouragement.  Throughout his life, Fr. John held a special place in his heart for the A.R.O.Y., praying for its members and their success in building on the foundation he helped to lay in its beginning.

     Following a lengthy illness, in which he continued to display a true Christian example through suffering, Fr. John was called to his eternal rest on Friday, August 19, 2005.

     Therefore, we, the delegates to the 56th Annual A.R.O.Y. Conference in Chicago, Illinois, in session this 3rd day of September in the year of our Lord 2005, hereby recognize the work, dedication and example of Fr. John Limbeson.  In offering our heartfelt condolences to his family, we thank God for the life of this truly dedicated servant and pray that he will continue to intercede for us, the members and supporters of A.R.O.Y., before the Lord.

     May Fr. John's memory be eternal!