Andrei Konogorov

On Wednesday, the 2nd day of October 2024 at 10:20pm our dear brother in Christ, Andrei Konogorov, drew his last breath and fell asleep in the Lord at Sunnybrook hospital surrounded by loved ones following a stoic battle with an aggressive cancer. 

Andrei was born on February 8, 1967, in the Kurgan Oblast (Western Siberia) to Peter and Lydia. He was educated in St. Petersburg and emigrated to Canada in the 1990’s where he worked as a software developer. Andrei was very intelligent, hardworking, but all who knew him will mostly remember him as a devout Orthodox Christian.

Andrei was baptized into Orthodoxy as an adult. His love of Orthodoxy led him to Jordanville, NY, where he enrolled in seminary correspondence courses. Andrei lived a life of service to his church and the Toronto Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church community. For many years he volunteered at the church serving in various roles including as Secretary of the Church Council, tending the candle kiosk, and assisting at parish events. Andrei had a deep love and reverence for Divine services which he attended regularly. Growing in his faith and closer to Christ was his life’s purpose. He was a beloved member of our community and a pillar of our large congregation where he left a profound impact on many lives.

Andrei travelled extensively around the world to places from Europe to Japan, but his heart yearned mostly for the pilgrimages he frequently made to Orthodox holy sites. He travelled to the Holy Land and Russia, among others, but it was his annual pilgrimages to Mount Athos which brought him the most joy. He bonded deeply with those who travelled with him. Through his readings and travels he developed an immense knowledge, and to hear to him speak of the monasteries and sketes he visited, or of the monks and elders he met, was a gift as he had tremendous spiritual insights. 

Andrei is survived by his sole brother, Evgeny, sister-in-law Lidia, and two nephews Kirill & Alexander. Although Andrei’s family was small, his church family was very large, where he had many loving brothers and sisters who will remember Andrei for his faith, strength, loyalty, love, and wisdom.

Dear brother, you went home to the Lord. As you told us in your final days, “Do not grieve, I am going home.” Although we feel deeply hollowed by our loss, we take comfort that you are home and suffer no more. Thank you for enriching our lives. You will always remain etched in our hearts. We love you sweet brother. Memory Eternal.

“For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me. 

 ~ Psalm 22 (in which Andrei took comfort)

A memorial service (panikhida) will take place at 6:30 pm on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 23 Henry Street, Toronto, Ontario

The Funeral Service (otpevanie) will take place at approximately 10:30 am immediately following the morning Liturgy on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 23 Henry Street Toronto, Ontario

Burial will take place immediately following the funeral service on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Briar Hill Cemetery, 5500 Black River Road, Sutton, Ontario

Let us gather to remember our dear Andrei at the Lake Simcoe Arms Pub on 21089 Dalton Road, Sutton, Ontario. The gathering (pominki) will follow immediately the interment.