+ The Rev. Dr. Jaroslav J. Vajda +

On Saturday, May 10, 2008, the Rev. Dr. Jaroslav J. Vajda departed this life in death. Vajda is one of the most prolific hymnwriters in recent memory. His hymn texts fill the volumes of hymnals accross Christendom. If you ponder some of the most significant hymn texts sung in the Lutheran Church, chances are your list will include a number written by Vajda.

As Dr. Vajda now rests from his labors, the words of his many hymns will continue to point us to the source of our salvation, Jesus the Christ. Thanks be to God for the His gift to the Church through the work of Jaroslav Vajda. Thanks be to God for His gift of eternal life to Dr. Vajda and to us through His Son Jesus Christ. May the words of the closing stanza of Dr. Vajda's Ascension Hymn, Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels likely still ringing in our ears from the Feast of the Ascension be our prayer and our joy:

"Alleluia, alleluia!

Oh, to breathe the Spirit's grace!

Alleluia, alleluia!

Oh, to see the Father's face!

Alleluia, alleluia!

Oh, to feel the Son's embrace!"

(LSB 491, Stanza 4)

Dr. Vajda's obituary may be viewed here: http://www.legacy.com/stltoday/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=109531223 additional information may be found at the CPH websitehttp://music.cph.org/2007/vajda.asp

Soli Deo Gloria!