Archimandrite Benedict (Anthony) Nelson

Archimandrite Benedict (of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) was born Ladd Anthony Nelson in Beatrice, Nebraska, to Harry and Elsie Nelson, on October 23, 1946. He reposed in the Lord at age 79 in Oklahoma City, on June 14, 2026. He is survived by his daughters DawnAnn McCoy, Jodie Norman (and husband Mark), son Joel Nelson, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was ordained an Orthodox priest—Father Anthony--on April 12, 1981. Shortly afterwords, in 1983, he was given a blessing by His Grace, the Right Reverend Bishop Alypy to establish a Russian Orthodox church in Oklahoma City. The church--St. Benedict Orthodox Church—was started that same year, and over the next several years under Father Anthony’s leadership and vision the current church building was erected. He served faithfully for almost 40 years at that parish, shepherding and guiding many into the Orthodox faith. His pastoral ministry was a blessing to both Russian immigrants who settled in central Oklahoma and native Oklahomans who came to find the truth of Orthodoxy via conversion. At the time of his retirement in 2022, he was named Rector Emeritus of St Benedict Church, was elevated to the priestly rank of Archimandrite, and was given the name Benedict.

A panikhida (prayer service for the departed) will be held on Tuesday, June 16th at 6:30 PM, and the Divine Liturgy with the Funeral Service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th beginning at 8:00 AM—both events at St. Benedict Orthodox Church, 3900 Jones Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73135, with internment following at Bethany City Cemetery in Oklahoma City, OK.