NEW YORK – The Archdiocese mourns the passing of George S. Coumantaros, an internationally renowned businessman and veteran ocean racer, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, philanthropist and great benefactor of the Church, who passed away peacefully in Athens, Greece on Oct. 17. He was 94 years of age.

“Throughout his life, George Coumantaros had demonstrated a generosity of heart and sensitivity of spirit that were reflective of his deep faith and his understanding of the words from the Scripture, I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18),” said Archbishop Demetrios, upon learning of his passing. The Archbishop, reflecting on the life of offering of George Coumantaros, added: “Eternal be the memory of this truly noble Christian whose depth and scope of the philanthropic ethos was as vast as the sea he commanded at the helm of his global maritime and business enterprise. He excelled in his role as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Founding Member of FAITH Endowment, exemplary benefactor of Saint Nicholas National Shrine, and valued supporter of local, national and global initiatives in support of Hellenes, and the advancement of Orthodoxy and Hellenism.”

He is survived by Sophie, his wife of 63 years, his children Flora and Yannis, Christina, John and Elena, and Eugenie, as well as 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.