Christine, a Living Icon

By Moenes Iskarous

Christine was prepared and was certain about her hope in the Kingdom of Heaven. What do you expect from the offspring (granddaughter) of the blessed family of the reposed Fr. Antonius Bakki? After Fr. Antonius served in Queens, NY for 50 days, he reposed suddenly and in a very peaceful way while he was in a car after a long day of service. He stopped talking, looked up to Heaven, made the sign of the Cross and rested forever. One of the congregation there said, "we have known the Lord when we knew you". Indeed, here, we have also seen Christine as an ambassador of Christ among us.

The similarities of Christine with her grandfather, Fr. Antonius, are stunning. When she reposed after the accident in March 29, 2003, an eye-witness said that her face was very peaceful and she had her right hand in the form of making the sign of the Cross above her heart. This is the same position that Fr. Antonius had when he reposed 31 years before, in May 8, 1972 in Queens, NY. The 40th day of the commemoration of Christine's departure was also the same day of the commemoration of the departure of Fr. Antonius. Christine served among us here in the States for three and half years which is almost the same time that Fr. Antonius served in priesthood and they both reposed in the States. Christine had a special bond with Fr. Antonius and she liked to talk about him.

Words cannot describe the effect of Christine on others in the church as well as in her community. The most striking qualities that she had were: love to everyone; strong personal relation with God and the church; witnessing to Christ; and her consistent positive attitude. With these qualities, everyone loved and respected her. She is a proof of the ability to live a pure and righteous life while living in the world. She lived her life to the fullest, participating in all kinds of appropriate school and community activities as she was very energetic, joyful and pleasant to interact with. Christine was always willing to participate in various church activities in any capacity and to help in any way she could. She used to gather the kids around her and play with them and teach them about the church. In her interaction with the youth, she was very helpful, encouraging and supportive. No one ever heard Christine saying any bad word or bad mouthing anyone, she always talked about others with respect and love. Her behavior was consistent, inside and outside the church community.

Christine's family is also an exemplary model of holding onto God’s hands and accepting His will. They provide a role model for the strong faith in the resurrection, knowing that Christine is now in a better place, and the hope of meeting her in His Kingdom of Heaven.

Now that we have an intercessor that lived among us and we personally knew, she also knows us, and we are sure that she is praying for us.

Christine, please pray for us that God helps us to attain His Kingdom of Heaven as He helped you.