The Very Rev. Fr. David (Charles) Lynch, RIP

The Very Rev. Fr. David (Charles) Lynch, Archpriest, 1936-2008. RIP.

The Very Rev. Fr. David (Charles) Lynch, Archpriest, passed into eternal life Sunday afternoon. Family members report Fr. Lynch was "surrounded by his family and Fr. Patrick H. Reardon, all of whom offered prayers for him the whole day and at the moment of his departure." He was 72. He fell asleep at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29 — the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul. He is survived by his loving wife, Kh. Martha (who is an accomplished iconographer); two daughters (Margaret and Caroline); and five grandchildren (Sarah, Justin, Nathan, Dimitri, and Lazarus).

Fr. David Lynch was born in 1936 in Indiana and educated in Michigan. Before becoming Orthodox, he served as an Episcopalian priest. He attended Incarnation Church in Detroit while it was still a PECUSA parish. In the 1970s, after the then-Charles Lynch's tenure, Incarnation Church would join the Orthodox Church and become the first parish to celebrate the Liturgy of St. Tikhon.

Fr. Lynch would soon follow the parish into the Church. Fr. Lynch served many years at St. Augustine Orthodox Church (AWRV) in Denver, Colorado. Although he had spent many years as an Episcopal priest, he gladly served in the Gregorian rite, presiding over not only its spiritual life but also a beautiful musical program. After retiring, he moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois, and became attached to All Saints Orthodox Church in Chicago, serving alongside Fr. Patrick Reardon; Fr. Lynch enthusiastically praised both. He seemed to grow only busier in "retirement," criss-crossing the country to serve at the newly reformed Holy Incarnation Church (including celebrating its first Easter Mass in 2007), field inquiries about the Western Rite, and speak to seeking congregations (including more than one Charismatic Episcopal Church parish). How appropriate such a pastor, with a heart for gathering God's lost sheep, passed away on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

After suffering a fall, he fought back valiantly and showed great progress. The family stated they received an incredible outpouring of support, both during his recovery and following his passing. May our thoughts and prayers be with them in their suffering, as they will be with Fr. Lynch for his blessed repose.

The wake will take place on Wednesday, July 2, from 4-8:30 p.m., and a Requiem Mass will be offered on Thursday, July 3 at 11 a.m., both at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, located at 1449 N. Quentin Rd. in Palatine, Illinois. Interment will follow at Windridge Memorial Park in Palatine.

Fr. Lynch passed away in the Diocese of Toledo, so Bp. MARK is asking all Orthodox of the Byzantine Rite to pray a prayer rope for Fr. Lynch, saying on each knot, "O Lord Jesus Christ, grant rest to the soul of Thy departed servant." Those of the Western Rite can offer appropriate prayers as well.

Fr. Lynch will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, including this author.

Requiescat in Pace.

Additional Tributes:

• From the Antiochian.org website
• Official Obituary from the Chicago Tribune
• Sign his online Guest Book
• Touchstone Magazine's tribute
• Fr. John Fenton
• Benedict Seraphim