Archpriest Alexander Stavrinides, who was assigned to St. George Church in Hesperia, CA, fell asleep in the Lord in Glendora, CA on August 24, 2024 at the age of 89.
He was born in Cyprus on December 22, 1934 and baptized with the name Kyriacos. He received a new name, Alexander, at the time of his ordination.
Kyriacos undertook extensive studies in England and Wales at several renowned schools: University of London, University of Cambridge, University of Exeter, and University of Wales, where he received numerous degrees in Music, Classics, Theology, Philosophy, and Biblical Studies, culminating with a PhD. He was fluent in 13 languages including Ancient Greek, New Testament Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Spanish.
He was also an accomplished musician and could play a variety of instruments including the piano and violin. He could tune a piano by ear by counting beats. As a young concert violinist, Kyriacos performed by command for Queen Elizabeth II, the Shah of Iran and for other dignitaries in Europe. His voice was an instrument in itself and, later, as a priest, he used his melodious voice to praise the Lord celebrating the Divine Services of the Orthodox Church and also as choir director and chanter at Saint Nectarios Church in Covina.
After beginning an academic career in England, Kyriacos came to America in 1977 to become Chairman of the Classics and Philosophy Department at Ambassador University in Texas, undertaking a world tour lecturing on “Saint Athanasius and Modern Trinitarian Problems” and delivering many other presentations elsewhere over the years. For two decades until 2016, he was a faculty member in the Graduate Department of Theology at Azusa Pacific University. Dr. K. J. Stavrinides was highly regarded by his students who affectionately called him Dr. Stav.
His work as an academic and as a priest brought numerous converts to the Church. His intellect, love of truth, and Christian love convinced many that the Orthodox Church was the true Apostolic Church established by the Lord.
His command of New Testament Greek was phenomenal. He would find and correct numerous errors in the service books. His New Testament Greek classes were always well attended and there were often waiting lists for enrollment.
Alexander Stavrinides was ordained to the Diaconate on September 15, 2002 at Saint Michael Orthodox Church in Niles, IL, and to the Priesthood on March 27, 2006 at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos, Bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA, Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Initially, he did missionary work in the Los Angeles area while attached to Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Covina, CA. Eventually, he began to regularly serve at Saint George Church (OCA) in Hesperia from 2004-2007, first as a deacon and then as a priest until his transfer to Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, Upland, CA, where he served from 2008 to 2022. In the spring of 2022, he was formally received into the Orthodox Church in America and assigned to Saint George in Hesperia, where he had previously served. He continued his pastoral ministry there until his repose. He was thoroughly committed to the parish, enduring what could be a two-hour drive in frequently heavy traffic from his home in Glendora to the church in Hesperia.
Father Alexander was a strong proponent of Bible Study, saddened that many Orthodox faithful did not know the Bible well. Non-Orthodox would find out about the classes, desire to attend, and were warmly welcomed.
He was proud of the fact that he was born just a short distance from the birthplace of Saint Spyridon in Cyprus and that he was serving a parish dedicated to him. While visiting his father one year, he was presented with the slipper of Saint Spyridon as a gift for Saint Spyridon Church in Upland where he was serving at the time.
Father Alexander was able to dramatically alter and bless the lives of many. In his last years, he worked tirelessly in his parish in Hesperia, CA, serving the faithful and preparing catechumens for reception into the Church. His passing leaves behind a grieving family, a devastated group of catechumens, and a bewildered, shocked, and lost group of spiritual children who, in memory, treasure his jokes and criticisms.
Father Alexander was predeceased by his wife Lambroula (2007) and his son Michael (2011). He is survived by his son John (Valentina), daughters Xenia and Niki, grandchildren Petro, Sophia, Lauren, and Catherine.
The funeral service for Father Alexander, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco, took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church and he was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, both in Covina.
May Father Alexander’s memory be eternal!
Adapted with permission from www.greekobituary.net.