Protodeacon Averky Davis fell asleep in the Lord early Sunday morning, June 19, 2022.
He was born on April 11, 1954 to Martha Jane (Gintzell) and Richard Davis in Girard, Kansas, and was given the name Richard after his father. Growing up in Kansas, he graduated from Abilene High School and attended Emporia State University. After visiting the Far East in his youth, he found secular employment in technical positions, retiring in 2018.
Prior to becoming Orthodox, Richard married Connie (in baptism Maria) Lane in 1983. They, together with sons Anthony & John, were received into the Orthodox Church during Holy Week in 1989. Youngest son James was born later that year. At Holy Illumination Richard took the name Averky after Archbishop Averky (Taushev) of Syracuse (ROCOR). The future Protodeacon greatly enjoyed reading from the Church Fathers, especially St. Basil the Great.
Protodeacon Averky was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Denver by Bishop Tikhon (Fitzgerald) on October 21, 1995. He faithfully served there until 2019, when he requested retirement from active service due to chronic health issues. On his parish’s patronal feast, August 6, in 2007 he was elevated to Protodeacon. Greatly attentive to the services of the Church, he compiled numerous service books & educational materials on liturgy, and taught several classes to educate minor clergy & choir members in liturgics. Matushka Maria has been active in the Parish Sisterhood, and all 3 sons are tonsured Readers.
Protodeacon Averky enjoyed cooking, especially barbecue, and particularly took satisfaction from feeding others. Travel was an important “getaway” for him and his family. An aficionado of history, he collected carbide lamps used by coal miners & older audio equipment. Protodeacon Averky also enjoyed gemology and locksmithing, the latter being put to good use at church.
Protodeacon Averky is survived by: beloved wife of over 39 years, Matushka Maria; three sons, Anthony, John, and James; brother, Doug; and sister, Debbie (in baptism Despina). He is preceded in falling asleep by his parents and brothers, Michael & Tony.
The schedule of services for Protodeacon Averky’s funeral is as follows. All services will be held at Transfiguration of Christ Cathedral.
Thursday, June 23, 2022
4:30 PM - Vespers for Nativity of the Forerunner
6:00 PM - Viewing in the church temple
7:00 PM - Panikhida
Friday, June 24, 2022
8:45 PM - Divine Liturgy for Nativity of the Forerunner
10:00 AM - Funeral
11:30 AM - Procession to Riverside Cemetery
12:00 PM - Interment/Burial at Riverside Cemetery
12:45 PM - Meal of Mercy in parish hall
May Protodeacon Averky’s memory be eternal!