08/09/2026
With profound sorrow, yet with unwavering hope in the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States of America has received the heartbreaking news of the repose in the Lord of the Very Reverend Fr. Howard Sloan, a devoted priest of the Chicago Deanery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA.
For many years, Fr. Howard faithfully offered his life in service to Christ and His Holy Church, ministering with humility, compassion, and steadfast dedication. Through his priestly ministry, he brought countless faithful to the healing grace of the Holy Mysteries, proclaimed the Gospel of Christ, comforted the suffering, strengthened the weak, and faithfully shepherded the people entrusted to his pastoral care.
In recent years, Fr. Howard faithfully assisted in the pastoral ministry of St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Hammond, Indiana, and Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Palos Park, Illinois, where his gentle presence, fatherly counsel, and unwavering devotion to God's people became a source of spiritual strength and encouragement for clergy and faithful alike.
Today, the clergy and faithful of our Holy Church unite in prayer with his family members, parishioners, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Fr. Howard's faithful witness to Christ. While our hearts are filled with sorrow at this earthly separation, we take comfort in the promise of the Risen Lord: "I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, yet shall he live." (John 11:25)
The priesthood is not merely an occupation but a sacred calling of sacrificial love. Fr. Howard embraced that calling with faithfulness, offering himself daily at the Holy Altar and in loving service to God's people. We give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of his life, his ministry, and his enduring witness of Orthodox Christian faith.
The hierarcks of the Church ask every parish, monastery, clergy member, and faithful child of our Church to remember the soul of the newly departed servant of God, priest Howard, in their personal prayers and during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
Grant comfort, peace, and strength to the family, parishioners, and all who mourn his passing. May his memory be eternal before Your heavenly Kingdom, where together with all the saints he may glorify You forever.
For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Your departed servants, O Christ our God, and to You we give glory, together with Your Eternal Father and Your Most Holy, Good, and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
May the memory of the newly departed priest Howard be eternal!
* Father Howard Sloan was also over Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Michigan City June 1986 - June 1987, June 1988 - December 1988
