[Diocese of Maryland] Albert Theodore Eastman, 12th bishop of Maryland, died April 26, at the age of 89. Your prayers are requested for Mrs. Sarah Eastman and their family.

Bishop Eastman was elected Bishop Coadjutor in 1982 and became Bishop Diocesan upon the retirement of Bishop David Leighton in 1986. He retired in 1994.

Prior to coming to Maryland, Bishop Eastman served as a chaplain at California’s Soledad State Prison. He lectured at the Episcopal Theological School in Boston and also served churches in Tokyo and Mexico City. In 1973 he became the rector of St. Alban’s in Washington, D.C. serving until his election in 1982. Bishop Eastman’s ministry was marked by a continuing concern for the mission and unity of the Christian Church. He served as vice chair of the Standing Commission on World Mission, chair of the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief, and chair of the Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations.

Following his retirement, Bishop Eastman served in various capacities at Washington National Cathedral and in 2003 was appointed Vicar. He was awarded honorary doctorates from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Virginia Seminary and the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas.

Bishop Eastman was born in San Mateo, California in 1928. He was graduated from Haverford College in Pennsylvania in 1950, and Virginia Seminary in 1953. He married Sarah Tice soon after and they became parents to three children.

Funeral arrangements will be announced as plans are finalized.

For your servant +Theodore, O Lord, we pray: Rest eternal grant to him and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.