In Memoriam: The Very Rev. Victor F. George
The Very Rev. Victor F. George, 78, reposed of heart failure at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Hospital here on Wednesday, August 25, 2004.
A Worcester native, Father George was an alumnus of Clark University, Illinois State University, and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He was ordained to the Diaconate and Holy Priesthood by His Eminence, Metropolitan Anthony [Bashir] of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese in 1952, after which he served Antiochian parishes in Illinois and Pennsylvania.
In 1976, Father George was received into the Albanian Archdiocese of the Orthodox Church in America, in which he served parishes in New York, NY; Rochester, NY; and Boston, MA. For over 25 years he served Saint Elia Church, Jamestown, NY.
He was elevated to the dignity of archpriest by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius in 1986. In addition, he was awarded the right to wear the palitza in 1992 and the jeweled cross in 1995. On his 50th Anniversary of ordination in 2002, he was awarded a citation signed by the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America.
Father George was a devoted pastor, well known among his brother clergy as a missionary priest, always willing to travel far and wide to serve distant parishes and faithful in need of pastoral care. Well-versed in theology and history, he was fluent in ten languages and capable of celebrating services in Arabic, Greek, Albanian and Slavonic. A perpetual student, he continued to attend university classes into his late 70s. He was an inspiration to younger clergy, a loyal servant of his bishop, and a trusted companion with his colleagues.
Father George is survived by five grown children and their spouses and numerous grandchildren, one brother, and two sisters.
Viewing and funeral services will be celebrated by His Grace, Bishop Nikon of Boston and the Albanian Archdiocese at Saint Mary’s Assumption Church, Worcester, MA on Sunday, August 29, with the hierarchical Divine Liturgy and interment at Hope Cemetery on Monday, August 30.
Memorial gifts in Father George’s memory may be sent to the Student Fund of the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese, 523 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127.
May Father George’s memory be eternal!