The story is told of the burial of Matushka Olga in Alaska--a place where the ground can freeze solid and prevent burial completely--that the weather miraculously warmed just before her funeral services. Not only was the ground receptive to her burial, but the uncharacteristic weather allowed the many loved ones, who had been touched by the life of this blessed one, to be able to travel to the funeral. The next day, the weather turned frigidly cold, more fitting for the season, and "sealed" her in the earth.

 

It is somehow fitting that Archbishop David was buried in the first blanket of snow for the year. The weather here at St. Tikhon's is nowhere near the extremes of Alaska, but not only is snow the most fitting "burial seal" for an Alaskan bishop, but on his chest rests an icon of his beloved Matushka Olga. He has championed her canonization, and now it seems she provided him a burial seal like her own.

 

Grant rest, O Lord, to the soul of thy servant, Archbishop David, who has fallen asleep.