Ft. Myers, Fla.: Rev. Fr. George T. Pappas, 79, fell asleep in the Lord on Jan. 2, 2011 at HealthPark Hospital in Ft. Myers surrounded by his family. Born in Detroit, Michigan on 15 April 1931 to Thomas and Marina Pappas. Attended public schools in Detroit graduating from Southeastern High School in 1948. Attended Assumption Greek Orthodox Church with his family and was baptized there on 6 December 1931 and given the name George Thomas. He served as an Acolyte (Altar Boy/Server) from 4 years old until graduating from high school. He was tonsured a reader by the then Archbishop Athenagoras. Upon graduating from high school, he entered Holy Cross Theological Seminary in Brookline, MA graduating in May 1953 with a Master?¢s of Divinity. Evangeline Stergiotis of Detroit and he were married on 14 May 1953 at the Holy Cross Theological Seminary Chapel with Bishop Ezekiel officiating and Fr. Kokkinakis (who later was ordained Bishop) assisting. He was ordained Deacon on 30 August 1953 by Bishop Ezekiel at his home parish of the Assumption in Detroit. His first assignment was St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Astoria, Long Island, New York where he served as second priest under Fr. Demetrios Frangos until November 1955 when he was assigned to the newly founded Archangel Michael Church in Campbell, Ohio where he served 42 consecutive years until retiring. The late Archbishop Michael ordained him a priest on 6 December (the date of his Baptism) 1953 at the St. Demetrios Church. While living in Astoria, his first son, Thomas George (Anna), was born. Upon moving to Campbell, his children Maria Theofilos, Father Paul (Apostolos) (Presvetera Donna) and Katharine Tancabel (James) were born. He now also has 7 grandchildren: Peter, George, Stellanie, Leah, James, Nicholas and Felipe. During his pastorship at Archangel Michael, he received the offikia (Ecclesiastical Titles) of Ieromnymon, Confessor, Sakellarios, Economos, Protopresbyter of the 6th Diocese, Protopresbyter of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, Protopresbyter of the Archdiocese of North and South America, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Megas (Great) Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and receiving the Cross of the Patriarchate from Patriarch Bartholomew. During his 42 years at Archangel Michael, the parish grew from 135 families to over 600 with over 1,500 stewards contributing to the church. He baptized over 1,200 infants; confirmed 50; married over 800 couples. His tenure at Archangel Michael was the most gratifying and spiritually fulfilling. His Archangel Michael Church will always be in his heart. Upon retiring, Presbytera Evangeline (Angie) and he lived in Fort Myers, Florida 13 years now where they have become part of the Annunciation parish which they love very dearly having met so many wonderful people that have befriended them and they have also come to love dearly. When not attending and serving at the Annunciation Church, he served as substitute and temporary priest at various churches in the Atlanta Metropolis having served at 17 churches in his retirement. Visitation will be held at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Campbell on Sunday, Jan. 9 from 2-6pm and Trisagion services will be chanted every hour. Orthros and Devine Liturgy will be on Monday, Jan. 10 at 8:30am in the church with the funeral services to follow. In lieu of flowers the Pappas family wishes that donations be made to the Rev. George T. Pappas Scholarship Fund. The Pappas family has entrusted the arrangements of their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell.