Sad News Closer to Home

Though, as a Bronx native Brooklyn is terra incognita to me, I always read the Annunciation Parish (Apreiskimo Parapijos) newsletter with great interest. More than a parish newsletter, it is a primer of Lithuanian culture and spirituality. Since the closure of Our Lady of Vilnius, Annunciation has become the mainstay of keeping the faith, Lithuanian style, in the New York metropolitan area. I was saddened to open my "Zinios" and read that Vladas Sidas had passed on. Though I have only met Pat, the writer of "Zinios" a few times, she and Vladas have become a part of my life through the "Zinios". The details are below.


Tuesday, December 9, 2008 Parish Lithuanian Affairs Committee Chairman Vladas Sidas

Walked home to the Lord after suffering a massive heart attack.

His wake will be held at Hillebrand Funeral Home, 63-17 Woodhaven Boulevard, Rego Park, NY. Sunday, December 14, 2-5 pm. Rosary and Farewell Speeches at 7pm.

Funeral Monday, December 15, 10 AM Annunciation Church.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Building Maintenance Fund of Annunciation Parish. Aciu.

May he rest in peace in the arms of the Risen Savior!

The above is excerpted from Pat's newsletter. May we echo her prayer for Vladas and honor him as requested.