Support for Irene's Family in Our Loss

On February 21st, Paul and Kathy Azkoul lost their beautiful daughter, Irene, at the age of 29 years old in Denver, CO. The family will be bringing Irene to lay her to rest at St. John of San Francisco Orthodox monastery in upstate New York. During these last years, medical expenses for Irene have depleted their savings and they are living pay check to pay check. We ask for your prayers and your support.

Any contribution, big or small, will help ease the financial burden and allow them to focus on healing. We believe God will provide. If you are able to, please help the Azkoul family.

Irene's name means "peace." During her 29 years on Earth, she brought so much joy to everyone, even strangers. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and the truest friend one could have. She loved children and all animals. She loved music and dance. She danced in Irish competitions until an eating disorder came into her life at age 15. The eating disorder took away everything from her; her schooling, religious practice, job, self-esteem, family time, except for her faith in God and her will to live.

When she became very sick recently, she faced life threatening complications, but Irene fought and experienced several miracles that her mother and even the hospital staff witnessed. After several surgeries and being told by the doctors she has a five percent chance to live the first night in the hospital, the real miracle was when our Savior enlightened the Elder to send the family's spiritual father to Denver to take her confession and give her Holy Communion. Irene departed peacefully just before the memorial service on the eve of Saturday of Souls. Their Spiritual Father said the events surrounding her repose were miraculous, and could not have been designed any more perfectly. God took her soul to give her salvation, which is the most comforting to her parents. Irene will always be kept in their prayers, they will always light candles for her soul, and her memory will always be eternal. Please pray with us for Irene's soul.