Protodeacon Stephen Sweet reposed in the Lord on Friday, May 30, 2025, at University of Rochester Strong Medical Center in Rochester, NY at the age of 74.
Protodeacon Stephen was born in Rochester, NY. He worked in the restaurant industry, was a delivery truck driver for the Music Lovers musical instrument store, and worked at Saints Cosmas and Damian Nursing Facility on Staten Island. During his professional life and throughout his retirement years, he was an active member of Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Rochester, New York. He studied under Archpriest Cyril Stavrevsky in the Diaconal Vocations Program.
Upon his completion of the Diaconal Vocations Program he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on June 13, 1999 by His Eminence Archbishop Peter of blessed memory. Protodeacon Stephen served the community of Saint John the Baptist for over a quarter century.
Protodeacon Stephen is remembered by his brother clergy and parishioners for his faith, warm smile, soft-spoken manner, sense of humor and dedication to the Lord and the community of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church.
Protodeacon Stephen is survived by his sister Susan and his God-children Petr and David.
Family and friends are welcome to attend the memorial services for Protodeacon Stephen at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, located at 855 South Goodman Street, Rochester, NY. A Panikhida will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The Funeral will be celebrated on Thursday, June 12, at 10:00 AM, with interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Rochester, NY.
May Protodeacon Stephen’s memory be eternal!