WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 28, 2026, marked the 40th day since the passing of the world’s oldest Russian scout, Lidiya Petrovna Gerich, known by her forest name “Sinitsa” (The Titmouse). On that evening, at 7:30 PM, a panikhida (memorial service) was held at the St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Members of the “Putivl” Russian Scout Troop (Druzhina), which she founded, took part in the service to honor her memory.

Lidiya Petrovna passed away in her 106th year on December 20, 2025, just days before her beloved feast of the Nativity of Christ.

“Our mother, Lidiya Petrovna Gerich, departed to the Lord on December 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM. She was surrounded by family and loved ones,” her son, Yuri, shared. He noted that Lidiya Petrovna lived a long life granted to very few. “To say that she lived a life full of honor and faith would be an understatement,” he added.

Lidiya Petrovna often said that her life was built upon “three pillars”: Family, Church, and the Scouts. She took great joy in living with her son and daughter, rather than in a nursing facility. Until her final months, she attended the St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral almost every Sunday—a parish she belonged to for over 60 years. She was known for standing through the entire Liturgy from beginning to end, refusing to sit even when offered a chair.

Her crowning achievement was the “Putivl” Russian Scout Troop, which she founded and which has grown to become one of the largest and oldest Russian scouting units in the United States.

For many parishioners and scouts, “Sinitsa” was a living symbol and the “standard-bearer” of both the parish and the troop. To many, it seemed she would be there forever; her presence at services and scout gatherings was a constant, comforting fixture of community life.

“Of course, we all felt she would always be with us. I still cannot believe she is gone,” admitted Natalia Renir, the current leader of the Putivl Troop. “It is a deeply sad time for us because she was the creator of our troop.” Renir noted that it is difficult to count how many children passed through the scouting program and were touched by Lidiya Petrovna’s influence. Many of the original members of Putivl are now bringing their own grandchildren to the troop.

“While the children joining the troop today did not interact with her as closely as older generations, she was a constant presence at our events, such as Mother’s Day celebrations. They saw her in church, and we visited her to sing Christmas carols,” Renir continued.

The news of the passing of this matriarch of Russian scouting has resonated throughout the global scouting family. Condolences have poured in from troops in Germany and several other countries.

Lidiya Petrovna was laid to rest with the highest scouting honors in the Russian section of Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Memory Eternal to the handmaid of God, Lidiya!