REV. FR. DR. NICHOLAS CHARLES "NICK" MANIKAS

1932 - 2023

MANIKAS, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Charles "Fr. Nick" Of Framingham, passed away on August 24, 2023, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Fr. Nick leaves behind his children, Paul of Cotuit, MA (Becky Gydosh), Joanna of Ogunquit, ME (Elizabeth Cutler), and Mary of West Boylston, MA (Michael Leach); as well as grandchildren, Matthew, Ainsley, Kathryn, John, Jessica, and Krista. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 67 years, Euphoria "Effie;" and daughter, Pamela, of Wayland, MA (Kevin Washek). The youngest of six born to Greek migrants in Manchester, NH, Fr. Nick knew, even as a child, that he was called toward a life rooted in faith; he also knew, or so he loved to say, that his kindergarten crush, Effie, was the one he wanted to build that life with. And build it, they did. At Central High School, Fr. Nick and Effie both took part in many Gilbert and Sullivan operettas with lavish costumes and sets. This musical penchant would lend itself well to the Byzantine chants he would later study and to the many years the two would together lead their congregations in choir hymns, pageant productions, and Greek heritage celebrations. Fr. Nick dedicated himself to his faith, both through his education and decades of passionate service to the Greek Orthodox Church. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Bachelor of Divinity in 1956 and 1959, respectively, at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline. This laid the foundation from which he and Effie served four parishes over 58 years: Saints Anargyroi in Marlborough, MA (1956-1963), St. Haralambos in Canton, OH (1963-1975), St. Demetrios in Weston, MA (1975-2001), and St. Michael the Archangel in Cotuit, MA (2001-2014). Fr. Nick was an inquisitive learner, avid reader, and devoted teacher. He completed his Master's of Divinity in 1973 and Doctorate of Ministry and Pastoral Counseling in 1986, while continuing to grow and serve the Orthodox community. He maintained a strong commitment to education throughout his ministry and later became an adjunct professor at Holy Cross Seminary, teaching Parish Administration to the next generation of priests. Fr. Nick's wisdom and gentle spirit impacted the countless people that had the privilege of meeting him. He lived every day in accordance with the values he preached from the pulpit; he was and will continue to be an example of great integrity and devotion. His long, blessed life here on Earth will be lovingly remembered for his kindness, compassion, spiritual leadership, nurturing and deep faith. His legacy will be one of the flowering of a great faith, uniting many through one another and through Christ. May his memory be eternal. Visiting Hours and Services will be at St. Demetrios Church (57 Brown Street, Weston, MA) and streamed at https://www.stdemetriosweston.org/live-streaming Visiting Hours will be on Wednesday, August 30 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The Funeral will be on Thursday, August 31 at 9:00 AM, followed by Burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland. Family and friends are invited to a makaria luncheon in the St. Demetrios Parish Hall immediately following the Burial. Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100