The Greek Orthodox community mourns the loss of Rev. Dr. George C. Papademetriou, who passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, at the age of 92. Father George, as he was affectionately known, leaves behind a legacy marked by humility, wisdom, and dedication to faith, education, and family.
Born in 1932 in Petralona, Evrytania, Greece, Father George’s compassion and commitment to service were deeply shaped by the example of his parents, Father Constantine and Presbytera Ourania Papademetriou. After a challenging wartime separation, he joined his father in Moline, Illinois, in 1947, which marked the beginning of a lifetime of dedicated ministry.
Father George married Presbytera Athanasia Antoniou in 1960, and together they embarked on a remarkable journey spanning 64 years, devotedly serving parishes across the United States. His ministry touched countless lives, especially at St. Demetrios Church in Fort Worth, Texas; Evangelismos Church in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Annapolis, Maryland; and St. Nicholas Church in Lexington, Massachusetts. He was instrumental in establishing new congregations, notably in southern Maryland, and tirelessly supported mission churches.
An accomplished theologian, Father George earned advanced degrees from Texas Christian University and Temple University, eventually becoming a respected professor at Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts. His writings and teachings on Orthodox theology, particularly on St. Gregory Palamas and hesychasm, significantly influenced contemporary theological thought. In 2018, he shared reflections on his life and ministry in an insightful interview with Cosmos Philly, available here.
Father George was also passionate about fostering interfaith dialogue. Under the guidance of Archbishop Iakovos, he traveled extensively, promoting mutual understanding among Christians, Muslims, and Jews through various international platforms. His leadership roles, including President of the Orthodox Theological Society of America, underscored his commitment to ecumenism.
As Director of the Hellenic College Holy Cross Library for over two decades, Father George modernized the library, achieving accreditation and initiating the development of the Archbishop Iakovos Library and Learning Resource Center. His vision for knowledge-sharing extended globally, including significant contributions to seminaries in Albania, Ukraine, and Greece.
Father George’s quiet strength, profound humility, and compassion endeared him deeply to everyone he encountered. He is survived by his beloved wife, Presbytera Athanasia, his children Dean Papademetriou, Jane and Nicholas Kourtis, Tom and Dorrie Papademetriou, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives both in the United States and Greece.
The community is invited to pay respects during visitation hours on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Weston, Massachusetts. The funeral service will take place on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Chapel in Brookline, preceded by a Presanctified Liturgy at 9:00 am, followed by burial at Gardens Cemetery in West Roxbury.
In honor of Father George’s lifelong dedication to theological education, donations are encouraged to the “Rev. Dr. George C. and Presbytera Athanasia Papademetriou Scholarship Fund” at Hellenic College Holy Cross.
Father George’s gentle spirit and lasting contributions will continue to inspire all those he touched. May his memory be eternal.