On Friday, August 25, Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore, MD conducted the funeral service for +Sydney-Mary Martenis, the daughter of Congressman Derrick and Sara Van Orden, from Wisconsin. The church rector, Archpriest John Vass led the service supported by a full choir of singers, under the direction of Andrei Burbelo.

Family members, friends, and guests came from several different US states and Europe to pray for her repose and offer condolences to her family. Many dignitaries also attended, including the Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy along with four other Congressmen, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis Richard McDonough. Congressman Van Orden announced his daughter’s passing through his press office to several media outlets.

The clergy and members of Holy Trinity Church offer their sincere condolences to Sydney-Mary’s husband, Christopher and their three young children, Madeline, Charlie, and Roman, to her siblings, Abigail, Theodore, and Daniel and to her grandmother Virginia.

More than 125 people attended the funeral and approximately 100 attended the burial at the parish cemetery and the remembrance meal in the cemetery pavilion.

Such a high-profile event required the support of many volunteers. Special thanks to the parish council, choir, and the St. Catherine Sisterhood for their help with the coordination of the day’s events.

Photo Album: https://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/htc/gallery/funeral-08-25-2023/

Video Recording: https://youtube.com/live/uej2Ha2uEao?feature=share