Peter Makris

Peter H. Makris YORKTOWN - The Reverend Peter H. Makris, retired priest of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, fell asleep in the year of the Lord, on Jan. 31, 2010 at the age of 76. He was a devoted father, a loving grandfather, a dedicated cleric and a 40-year resident of the Peninsula. Father Makris, born in Lowell, Mass., was the son of Harry G. Makris and Anastasia Goumenis Makris. He graduated from high school in 1951 as a National Honor Society member and was accepted to the Holy Cross Theological Seminary in Brookline, Mass. He graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts Theology degree. He carried on his family tradition of the priesthood. He was the nephew to the late Fr. Charles Goumenis of Norfolk, Virginia and late Father Homer Goumenis of Atlanta, Georgia, who were his mentors; and cousin, Father Frank Marangos who is currently the Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral of New York. Upon completion of his theological training, he accepted a lay position at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Columbia, S.C. There he served as a Greek language instructor, secretary, and cantor. After his petition to his Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, he was ordained a priest in 1960 and was soon assigned to his first parish in Great Falls Montana. After three rewarding years of ministry in Montana, he was transferred to All Saints Church in Canonsburg, Pa., and served six fulfilling years. In 1969, Father Makris arrived at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News. During his tenure, he was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his church community, one of which was the building and relocation of the Saints Constantine and Helen Church and the building of the Sacalis Community Center. One only needs to look inside and marvel at the beautiful byzantine architecture of the Greek Orthodox Church to truly appreciate why he was so proud. Father Makris took immense pleasure in church events. His participation in the many celebrations of weddings and baptisms, as well as church and Greek community festivities, were always a source of remembrance to many and a calling he always cherished. He celebrated many of the church's milestones, including the 50th anniversary and more recently the 60th anniversary of the church's founding. As a long-time Peninsula resident, he enjoyed and participated in his community. He served as the director of International Seamen's Friendship House, president of the Virginia Council of Orthodox Churches, member of the Newport News Association for the Study of Childhood Cancer, and member of the Downtown League of Churches. Even after his retirement he continued to serve as an interim priest at the Nativity of Theotokos church in Fredricksburg, Va., as well as the Saint Elpis Church in Hopewell, Va. Father Makris was always active in his community. He could be seen playing gin rummy with his friends at the AHEPA hall, having lunch at his son's restaurant, where many knew him, or keeping up with his Boston Red Sox baseball team. He took great pleasure being papou to his grandchildren. He touched the lives of many people carrying out the duties as priest, father, relative, and friend. He will be missed deeply by many. He was preceded in death by his loving son, Gregory Peter Makris, who passed away Jan. 23, 1970. He is survived by his son, Harry George Makris of Newport News; daughters, Christine Makris Fulmore and husband Carl Fulmore of Stafford, Va., Anastasia Makris Krisik and husband Jay Krisik of Williamsburg, Va.; and three grandchildren, Nathan Fulmore, Kaitlyn Fulmore and Nolan Krisik. The funeral presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey will take place at noon today, Feb. 3, preceded by the Orthros at 9 a.m. and the Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Memorial donations be made to the Gregory Makris Scholarship Fund c/o H.W.P.S/ Hellenic Woman's Penelope Society, 60 Traverse Road, Newport News, VA 23606. Arrangements are under the care of Riverside- Altmeyer Funeral Home.