Life literally turned upside in but a matter of days. The family had to vacate the parish house and moved in with Matushka Julia’s parents. Thus, the children had to start going to a new school and Matushka had to find a new job, as a math teacher at the children’s school. The loss of their father at the very early age of 34 was extremely hard for the children. 

There were no signs foretelling Fr. Dimitry’s sickness, but then he began to feel bad, suffering a high temperature. He was admitted to the hospital, where he was later placed in intensive care with a diagnosis of COVID and pneumonia. Everything was complicated by his chronic asthma. The family maintained hope, and everyone was shocked when such a young, energetic priest suddenly passed away. 

Life will be hard for this family, with two young children to raise, but we can help them get through this difficult period. 

Dimitry Olegovich Gotovskin was born to a working-class family in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on February 11, 1986. His parents were childless for a long time, but God heard their prayers and they eventually had their first child. The family was not church-going at that point, but there was always an understanding of faith in their lives, which eventually led to seven-year-old Dima deciding on his own to go to church. His first service was the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which made such an impression on him that he couldn’t imagine himself without the Church and the love of God. He soon began serving in the altar. 

In 2004, Dimitry entered Belgorod Seminary. In April of that year, he married Julia Plyashkevich, whom he met while she was studying at a pedagogical institute. In 2007, he was ordained to the diaconate and the priesthood with the blessing of Bishop John of Belgorod. Fr. Dimitry was certain of his priestly calling from the very first days. 

Fr. Dimitry and Matushka Julia had two children. Their daughter Anna was born in 2008, and their son Alexander in 2011. Father loved the children very much and was very attached to them. 

His last place of service was at the Holy Trinity Cathedarl in Rovenki, which was completely renovated under his guidance, including the installation of new domes. The parish house where he Fr. Dimitry and his family lived was also renovated. Father always tried to do as much as possible at every church that he served at, and together, Fr. Dimitry and Matushka always did everything they could to assist those in need, ready to help day and night. 

Священник: Archpriest Dimitry Gotovkin
Матушка: Gotovkina Julia Olegovna
Дети:
Gotovkina Anna Dmitrievna 10.14.2008
Gotovkin Alexander Dmitrievich 30.03.2011
Место жительства: Belgorod region, Valuyki, st. Harvest, d.32