Memorial Service and Tribute Held for Archbishop Iakovos of America 

Brookline, MA – On Sunday, April 10, Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology commemorated the 17th anniversary of the falling asleep of Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. The day began at sunrise in the Holy Cross Chapel, where His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos prepared the memorial table, in front of the icon of Christ, by surrounding Archbishop Iakovos’ photo with Bishop vestments to honor his service to the Church. Prayerfully made kollyva was offered for the repose of his soul and placed on top of the vestments. 

Representing Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos presided over the Divine Liturgy, the Memorial Service, and the Trisagion at the grave of the ever-to-be remembered Archbishop Iakovos, with the melodic chanting of the students of the School that he so loved. His Grace Bishop Joachim of Amissos, Rev. Fr. Michael Kouremetis, Dean of Students, Deacon Dimitrios, and seminarians participated in the Liturgy and the Memorial. 

The community then gathered at the Malioits Cultural Center for a reception. The tribute began with the blessings and greetings from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, which Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos conveyed on his behalf. He expressed how it was a day of sorrow and a day of joy because Archbishop Iakovos worked in this vineyard and gave himself to the Church in America, and is now united with God.

Bishop Joachim of Amissos also presented a keynote on the Life and Legacy of Archbishop Iakovos. He particularly highlighted Archbishop Iakovos's dedication to building the School's essential library. Following the keynote, Dr. Lewis Patsavos, Professor Emeritus of Canon Law and a close friend of Archbishop Iakovos, shared fond memories of the Archbishop as his parish priest when he was young. Dr. Patsavos shared details about the ministry that the Archbishop offered when he was the Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston. In closing, President Cantonis shared a story about his personal family connections to the legendary Archbishop and noted how proud he was that the community honored the memory of Archbishop Iakovos, keeping the vigil lamp of his memory alive both practically and spiritually.  

May his memory be eternal!