Category Archives: Lamentation

Akathist to Jesus Christ for Aaron Edward Kimel

Posted on 15 June 2020 by Fr Aidan Kimel

For the past eight years Christine and I have gathered at Aaron’s gravesite. On the first anniversary the local Orthodox priest gathered with us and recited the appointed prayers. On subsequent anniversaries, Christine and I have recited the following akathist. … Continue reading →

Posted in Lamentation, Personal | Comments Off on Akathist to Jesus Christ for Aaron Edward Kimel

“Something is over. In the deepest levels of my existence something is finished, done. My life is divided into before and after”

Posted on 15 June 2019 by Fr Aidan Kimel

The world looks different now. The pinks have become purple, the yellows brown. Mountains now wear crosses on their slopes. … Something is over. In the deepest levels of my existence something is finished, done. My life is divided into … Continue reading →

Posted in Lamentation | Comments Off on “Something is over. In the deepest levels of my existence something is finished, done. My life is divided into before and after”

“Death has picked him out, not love. Death has made him special”

Posted on 15 June 2019 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Was he special? Did I love him more—more than his sister and brothers? When they see my tears, do they think I loved him more? I visualize the appallingly cruel choice with which Hitler’s henchmen faced Jewish parents: select one … Continue reading →

Posted in Lamentation | Comments Off on “Death has picked him out, not love. Death has made him special”

“What is it that makes the death of a child so indescribably painful?”

Posted on 15 June 2019 by Fr Aidan Kimel

What is it that makes the death of a child so indescribably painful? I buried my father and that was hard. But nothing at all like this. One expects to bury one’s parents; one doesn’t expect–not in our day and … Continue reading →

Posted in Lamentation | Comments Off on “What is it that makes the death of a child so indescribably painful?”

Funeral Homily for Aaron Edward Kimel

Posted on 15 June 2019 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Delivered by his father 22 June 2012 In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Introduction Not once have I ever entertained the possibility that I would ever find myself in this moment, preaching … Continue reading →

Posted in Lamentation | 2 Comments

Lamentation

Posted on 15 June 2017 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Originally posted on Eclectic Orthodoxy:
Three years ago this day, my son Aaron Edward Kimel took his life. At that moment, my life and the lives of my wife and children and all who loved him were dramatically changed. I…

Posted in Lamentation | Comments Off on Lamentation

Homily for my son Aaron

Posted on 15 June 2016 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Four years ago my dear son Aaron died. Everything changed for me and my family that day. It’s hard to put into words. Perhaps only parents who have lost a child can understand. Not a day goes by when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Lamentation, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on Homily for my son Aaron

Lamentation

Posted on 15 June 2015 by Fr Aidan Kimel

Three years ago this day, my son Aaron Edward Kimel took his life. At that moment, my life and the lives of my wife and children and all who loved him were dramatically changed. I died on that day. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Lamentation | Tagged | Comments Off on Lamentation