Remembering Serge Boldireff
Serge was born on March 30, 1939 and passed away peacefully, at the North York General Hospital in York, Ontario, on February 5, 2023. Predeceased by his wives, Michelle Rodomar and Fayna Polonskaya. Serge is survived by his sons, Vania, Akim, and Vadim; stepdaughters, Vera and Anna; and granddaughter, Catherine Boldireff. He leaves behind his brothers, Rev. Nicholas, Vladimir, Deacon Andrei, and Oleg; and nieces and nephews.
Serge dedicated his career to singing as a Choir Director of Orthodox Liturgical music, and he recorded music with multiple choirs in North America. Serge was a soloist in the Serge Jaroff Don Cossack Choir in the 1960s. An entertainer and performer, Serge loved singing with his wife, Fayna, at Toronto-Russian Restaurants.
Serge served as Choir Director at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, DC from 1995 to 2002 during a period when the choir was large and growing. In addition to introducing new music and maintaining liturgical services, he kept the choir a vibrant group able to make a
CD, give concerts, and sponsor other liturgical ensembles to perform at the cathedral.
Serge arranged for overnight trips to St. Vladimir and St. Tikhon seminaries to participate in OCA gatherings. Both former and current St. Nicholas singers remember Serge fondly for the challenges he set and the memorable progress made.
May God keep Serge in His eternal memory.
