DIOCESE OF EASTERN AMERICA: January 14, 2010
Priest Rodion Aragon Dies

On January 11, 2010, at 9:20 am EST, Fr Rodion Aragon passed away. He was the only priest of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in Costa Rica. In November 2009, Fr Rodion was diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer. Fr Rodion was in so much pain upon awakening from the procedure that he was sedated again.

He was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer in November 2009.  Doctors were unable to operate on him and simply closed the incision. After he awoke, he was in such pain that the doctors sedated him again.  

Fr. Rodion enrolled into the Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville and was planning to continue his education.  He became a priest in January 2009. 

The large Russian population in Costa Rica is in the process of building a church in the Pskov style and was looking forward to a bright future with Fr Rodion at the helm.

He is survived by his wife and a son.

Donations to his family may be made through the Fund for Assistance: www.fundforassistance.org/