Lidiya V. Novak

Lidiya Vasylivna Novak was born on January 1, 1962, into the family of Vasyl and Nadiya Andriyenko in the village of Pisnyky, Mlyniv District, Rivne Region. She was the youngest of nine children in the family. The entire family attended church gatherings in the village of Borbyn, where Lidiya became a member of the local church, accepting holy water baptism by faith in 1978. Due to repression and persecution, she was baptized at night, as she was still very young. From an early age, Lidiya loved the Lord and received baptism of the Holy Spirit with the gift of speaking in tongues. She loved to pray and attend prayer meetings, where she experienced God’s great grace. At one of these meetings, through a prophetic word, the Lord told her to read Psalm 23, which would be her guiding passage for life. During this time, Lidiya began writing poems, which she continued doing throughout her life. Over the years, she witnessed God answering prayers and performing miracles.

As the youngest in the family, she helped her parents and did seasonal farm work in southern Ukraine in her mid-teen years. In 1980, Lidiya moved with her parents to Lutsk, Vishkiv region, where she worked in the local hospital. She became active in the local church, sharing her poems and visiting the elderly and sick. On August 22, 1982, she married Anatoliy Novak, and the Lord blessed their family abundantly, giving them thirteen children—nine daughters and four sons. Despite many difficulties, daily struggles, and responsibilities, she selflessly worked for both her family and God.

On December 1, 1999, the Novak family moved permanently to the United States, settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 2000, Lidiya’s mother joined them in America, and Lidiya cared for her until her old age. Lidiya’s mother passed away in 2013, after being bedridden for five years.

In 2017, Lidiya’s health rapidly declined. Following severe headaches, Lidiya was diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumor. Due to its large size, two surgeries were required. In February of 2018, the second operation lasted 12 hours, followed by difficult months of rehabilitation period, during which she had to relearn how to stand, walk, speak, and eat. Unfortunately, her left side never fully recovered. Since the tumor could not be completely removed, she had to undergo radiation therapy. Despite everything, Lidiya never complained and always praised God, continuing to live life as fully as possible. She prayed, cared for her family, attended church, and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, practicing and enjoying hospitality.

At the end of 2020, the family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where they became members of the local church, Grace Evangelical Church. In 2021, Lidiya was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Despite the illness, she went through the process to obtain her U.S. citizenship. After undergoing three rounds of treatment, doctors informed her that they could no longer help. In the fall of 2024, fluid began accumulating in her lungs, requiring more frequent drainage - eventually once per day.

The details of her illness highlight how strongly she believed in the power of prayer, which strengthened her faith and gave her the endurance to remain faithful. Prayer was her life.

On April 17, 2025, around 7:00 PM, Lidiya’s family gathered for the final prayer, after which she peacefully passed away at the age of 63 and went to be with the Lord. She leaves behind her husband, 13 children, 7 sons-in-law, 4 daughters-in-law, and 25 grandchildren.

Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at the GRACE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, 1410 Hubbard Road, Galloway, Ohio, 43119, starting at 7:00pm, April 22, 2025. A Graveside Service will be at 10:00am, at the Galloway Cemetery, 6725 Alkire Road, Galloway, Ohio, 43119.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grace Evangelical Church, 1410 Hubbard Road, Galloway, Ohio, 43119, in loving memory of Lidiya.

Until we meet again in heaven, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

“Господь--Пастырь мой; я ни в чем не буду нуждаться: Он покоит меня на злачных пажитях и водит меня к водам тихим, подкрепляет душу мою, направляет меня на стези правды ради имени Своего. Если я пойду и долиною смертной тени, не убоюсь зла, потому что Ты со мной; Твой жезл и Твой посох--они успокаивают меня.Ты приготовил предо мною трапезу в виду врагов моих; умастил елеем голову мою; чаша моя преисполнена. Так, благость и милость да сопровождают меня во все дни жизни моей, и я пребуду в доме Господнем многие дни.”

Псалом 23