Greetings,

Many of you know, my father, Hieroschema-monk Ambrose (Fr. Alexey Young), is in very poor health. According to him and my sister, who lives nearby, he sleeps most of the time, has a difficult time getting around, and is in acute congestive heart failure. I haven't been able to see him in 2 years.

I have been asked by my family to reach out for help. Due to taxes and doctor's bills, our meager savings have been swallowed up, and my husband and I have no money to go see my father for one last visit and to attend his funeral when the time comes.

I have done some research and can present a breakdown of how the funds will be used:

Flight and rental car: Approximately $850 for 2 people when the flight is booked for the next day for the funeral, etc.

We are planning a last trip to see him, October 12th - 16th, in that case, it would be approximately $600 for 2 people.

Airbnb: If planned in advance or emergency, options are approximately $400.

Compensation for days off, as I do not have enough PTO, 3 days for a 5-day visit, including two travel days: $330. For the funeral, I would be using bereavement leave.

Obviously, economies can be made. If there is someone in Colorado Springs willing to let us stay with them, especially if it is last minute for the funeral, it would be deeply appreciated. Also, my husband may not come, and that would shave some money off flights (though I would need his emotional support tremendously through this difficult time).

If you can do anything, every little bit helps, and please share this with others in your local Orthodox communities. Even just keeping us in your prayers is greatly helpful.

Luckily, all my father’s funeral arrangements, including payment have already been made for when the time comes.

Please pray for my family, as we face what seems to be the final stage of my father’s life. A life spent in service to Christ and the church.

In all humility,

Faith Petcherkin