His Grace, Bishop Michael will preside at the Funeral of Deacon John Protopapas, 75, who fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, July 27, 2013, one day after his 75th birthday.
The Funeral will be celebrated at Saint Andrew Church, Dix Hills, NY, at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31. The preceding day—Tuesday, July 30—visitation will be held at the Jacobsen Funeral Home, 1380 New York Ave., Huntington Station, NY from 2:00—4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at Saint Andrew Church at 7:00 p.m. with the celebration of the Memorial at 8:00 p.m.
Deacon John was attached to Saint John the Theologian Church, Shirley, NY, where he ministered for many years as subdeacon and deacon. Previously, he and his wife, Matushka Valerie, were active members of Saint Andrew Church.
“They were very involved in the creation of our parish,” said Archpriest John Klingel, rector of Saint Andrew’s. “Before being ordained to the diaconate, Deacon John served as a leader in our community in many ways, not the least of which was as head of the building committee, during which time he led the design and construction of our present temple.”
The Protopapases have been widely known for many years as pioneers in the organization of Orthodox Christians for Life. In addition to Matushka Valerie, Deacon John is survived by their daughter Jacqueline [Christopher] and son John William.
May Deacon John’s memory be eternal!