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Rev. Prostopresbyter Demosthenes John Mekras
Rev. Prostopresbyter Demosthenes John Mekras
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Demosthenes John Mekras Obituary
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Deborah Case
March 12, 2025
Father Mekras was instrumental in shaping my entire life. Thank you, Father.
Truly Burton
August 22, 2005
Dear Presvetera, Evan, George and John and family,
I was so saddened to see our own local patriarch pass on. I have so many fond memories of his goodness, his wisdom, twinkling eyes and tough/smart character that I wanted to pass them along to you all. I will always remember him as the priest who baptized me, as the calming influence during some bumpy Greek School moments, and of course, his wonderful prayers and singing during my father Harry Dourdis' funeral, now 15 years ago.
I send my deepest sympathy to all of you on behalf of my sister and brother, Sandy (Dourdis) DeLuca and John Dourdis and of course my mother Athena Dourdis.
OUr deepest sympathy and Life to the Living, Truly (Dourdis) Burton
Carol & Peter Stamos
August 3, 2005
Father Mekras will long be remembered as a wonderful Priest and friend.
Charlie, Meri, Stefanie and Nicholas Thomas
July 24, 2005
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Father Mekras. We will remember him always, with love and peace in our hearts.
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Penny (Bacopoulos) Ludwig
July 22, 2005
Dear Presbytera Toula, George, Tia, John & Evangelia
We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Fr. Mekras. My family and I will always remember his kindness and helpfulness to our family when we moved from Troy, NY to Miami.
Knowing no one in Miami, Fr. Mekras helped our family find a house, helped my father find a job and so, so much more and down the road marrying me and taking such a liking to my husband, who was not Greek, being there for my beloved Mother in her time of need, and always being there when I called. He certainly was very much a people's priest....always responding in time of need to all.
He will be missed very much.
The last time I saw him was about a year ago and will always remember his sweet, loving face, hand shake, and his comments every time I would come in from out of town, accompanied by my elderly father.
In remembering, we keep what is best as treasures forever. May each memory and those special times you shared together be of comfort to you now and in the days ahead, bringing peace to your heart.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Penny & Harry Ludwig & The Bacopoulos Family
OLGA MONTES
July 21, 2005
To Drs. John and George Mekras and their families.Our deepest sympathy to the family. may God be with you all.
My family (Lorenzo Hernandez) thoughts and prayers are with you.
Helen Kastrenakes
July 21, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy to you all in your loss. Father was always so kind to me and my family.
Helen Kastrenakes
Emanuel Metrakos & Family
July 20, 2005
Our deepest sympathy
Helen Metrakos-Hevia
July 20, 2005
We send our deepest regrets. Father will remain in our hearts always. Luis, Helen, Danielle, Andrea and Louis.
John and Pia Kastrenakes
July 20, 2005
Dear George, Tia, Presbytera, John
and Evangelia:
We just heard of Father Mekras' passing and were deeply saddened. He was an icon in the Miami Greek community and an inspiration to my entire family. Besides baptising me, I will always remember his kindness and thoughtfulness during the time that my father died in 1997.
May the fact that he had such a rich and fulfilling life be a comfort to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
andrea orphanos
July 19, 2005
Dear George, Tia, Presbytera, John
and Evangelia,
I just heard of Father Mekras' passing and was deeply saddened. He will be remembered fondly especially by the Greeks of Florida
for whom he did so much. May the fact that he had such a rich and fulfilling life be a comfort to you
all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andrea Orphanos
Constantine, Ethel and William Thomas
July 19, 2005
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Father Mekras. The joy of being family as well as "friend" to a truely gifted man whom God felt compelled to call to his side as a "Blessed Angel" warms our hearts, even in this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Mekras and Scurtis families as we grieve in unity. We will always remember Father's radiant smile and warm comforting embrace. Peace and serenity shall be his legacy. Rest with the Lord. Love always in our hearts.
Theone Georgountzos Orphanos
July 19, 2005
Dear Presbytera Toula,
I am very saddened by the death of Father Mekras. I always remember
the kindness and helpfulness of your family growing up in Lowell .My prayers are with you in this very difficult time.
Theone Georgountzos Orphanos
Elaina Palassis England
July 19, 2005
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Scurtis, Cynthia, Taki and family,
We are all so saddened by the passing of Father Mekras. Father Mekras has been such a part of all of our lives. Erin and I were so fortunate to have him officiate at our wedding in Charleston in May 2004. It was so special to have him here with us and I know it meant a great deal to Father Trivelas - his old roommate at the seminary - to have him there as well. It was so nice to see them together. I also would like to tell you how proud Father Mekras was of all of you. We will never forget him. We will look forward to giving you our condolences in person the next time we are in Miami. We know this is a great loss and hope you are well. May God bless you all and may Father Mekras rest in peace.
Elaina and Erin England, Nicholas Palassis, Cookie and Jimmy Palassis all of Charleston and Helen Venis Karp of Miami
Jim, Cynthia, Alex and Nick Panos (Lexington Park, Maryland)
July 19, 2005
Rest in Peace Uncle Demo !!
David & Rosemarie Hennessey
July 18, 2005
Dear George, Tia and the Mekras family, We are saddened for you at the loss of Father Mekras. After reading about him, I see where your fine qualities come from.
David & Rosemarie
Stathe & Michele Karahalios
July 18, 2005
We are very sorry to learn of Father Mekras passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Pavlides
July 18, 2005
Father Mekras' leadership, wisdom, behavior, words, and honesty is the standard we hope for the leaders of the United States. His optimism, cheerful demeanor, energy, and empathy and compassion for the less fortunate was inspiration for all. We will miss him, but we have a wonderful role model to emulate!
Bill Manikas
July 18, 2005
My sympathies go out to you Presbytera Toula and to the children of Father Mekras. He was my priest when I joined St. Sophia in 1955. He was a close friend to my father. Thomas Manikas and performed many marriages and baptisms for my siblings. Father had a great chanting voice, was a terrific speaker and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Vesta M Beasley
July 18, 2005
To Drs. John and George and their families. I and John Jr., wish to extend our deepest sympathies in your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. Your father's life goes on through your hands of caring, healing and compassion. God bless you and your families. Respectfully, Vesta and John Jr. Beasley.
mary strates
July 17, 2005
As with everyone else, my family and I have known father mekras as far back as 1946/47. my father, frank strates, and I were shocked and sad to hear of his passing. I will remember my goya days and our trip to N.Y. and him always. God bless him and the family.
Barbara Manta Wilbur
July 17, 2005
To the Mekras and Scurtis family.
I only knew Fr. Mekras through My mom, Despina Tomaras Manta from Miami, Florida. He was such a wonderful man and a great priest.
He didn't baptist me but officiated at my wedding in 1991. I will remember his kindness and his smile. I know God has truly blessed him with a great heart and a wonderful wife and family. My deepest sympathy from my family to yours. God Bless You.
Constantine Nickas
July 17, 2005
Our Lord blessed us all by sharing Father Mekras with us for many years, before deciding that it was time to bring him back home. Many of my fondest memories involve Father Mekras' stewardship of the Greek community in South Florida as he presided over the administration of the Church's sacraments to us all. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and strength to both his immediate and extended family.
Cliff & Fran Foster
July 16, 2005
Fran and I are truly sorry for your loss. We just returned home and saw the news in the paper. Although we did not know your father we can see that his death is a great loss not only to you but to the entire community.
Graciela Rebull
July 16, 2005
I will always remember Fr. Mekras as a kind and gentle man who embraced my family and me when I became the first non-Greek school student at the age of 8 at St. Sophia's. His love of Greece and it's culture inspired all those whose lives he touched. He will be truly missed.
Angelika McCrae
July 16, 2005
With deepest sympanthy from the Bukis Family. Father Mekras baptized me 60 years ago as he did all of my sisters and also drove to Hollywood with my cousin to give my mother her last rites. My whole family speaks of him with nothing but praise, Our hearts go out to Toula and her entire family.
john matson
July 16, 2005
We will miss Father Demo greatly.
He truly made an impact in so many lives for the better.
Esther Kazer
July 16, 2005
My sincere sympathy to the Mekras family. Although many years have gone by I and my first graders at Coral Way school remember our visit to the St. Sophia and Beth David houses of worship.
Lynda and Nicholas Rizos
July 15, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to Aunt Toula, Evan, George, John and your families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Frank Planes
July 15, 2005
So many memories with a really great man. Heaven opened it's doors for Father Mekras. Let us all remember the good things he did for all.
Mary & George Koutsakis
July 15, 2005
The angels welcomed the newcomer...
It's never easy for those left behind. Father was a great man who touched many lives. We share in your sorrow. May he rest in peace.
ISABEL REYES
July 15, 2005
Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences because of your loss.
Isabel, Jorgito and Isabelita.
Mary Lee Larkins
July 15, 2005
Fr. Mekras will be greatly missed. He was a truly special and wonderful person. Whenever there was an illness in our family he was there to pray and lend his support.
With our heartfelt sympathy.
Vance & Mary Lee Larkins
Steve and Angie Kasselakis
July 15, 2005
Our condolences extend to the entire family. Fr. Merkas and his profound compassion and devotion will be missed by all. May he rest in peace.
John and Mary Hapsas
July 15, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to our beloved presbytera Toula and the family. Father Mekras has been our priest since 1946 when we were still children. He married John and I over 50 years ago, babtized our five children and then one by one, married them all. He was there for us when our parents died and when we lost our son and has always been there for us whenever we needed him. He has touched our lives in so many ways and we will miss him.
May he rest in peace. We will never forget him.
Dr.Henry and Avon Kunce
July 15, 2005
Dr.John, with heartfelt sorrow we give
to you and all your family our sympathy.The fullness of your father's life and ministry brought joy to many persons.
May the blessings of God especially be with your mother and His peace upon all members of your family. My sister and her husband, Drs. John and Mabel Gibby of Dallas.TX join in this mesage of sympathy and peace.
John Scurtis
July 15, 2005
Everyone that was touched by Father Mekras is a better person for it.. We will celebrate his life for the rest of our lives. As Father was passing on this is what he told his family "What you have you leave behind, what you are you take with you" Zoi Se Emas : Son in law John C. Scurtis
Theodora Lowis
July 15, 2005
To the beloved family of Father Mekras: I was raised at St. Sophia, attended Greek school, Maids of Athens and participated in many of the functions sponsored by St. Sophia throughout the years. Father Mekras was truly a unique individual. His compassion, love and kindness holds a special place in my heart and the hearts of all of those whose lifes he touched. He will be remembered and cherished always.
Dr. Robert Pickard
July 15, 2005
Please accept my deep sympathies and condolences in your loss.
Nick De Martino
July 15, 2005
Not enough can be said or written to praise Fr. Mekras. He was a good, kind and gentle man and will be sorely missed. I can remember his coming to visit me in the hospital when I had suffered a kidney stone. Somehow he had walked into my room thinking that it was the room of one of his parishioners. I asked for and received his blessing. A short time later I passed the stone and was well again. I was also a patient of his son George. He was the patriarch of a wonderful family. God bless them and be with them in this terrible time of loss.
Cookie (Karp) Jim Palassis
July 15, 2005
We are shocked and in deep sorrow
over the passing of our beloved Father Mekras. He was our family
priest for over 54 years. He served with strength in faith and
was a great influence in our lives.
We were very happy that he was able to officiate at the wedding
of our daughter last May 1, 2004.
His charismatic personality and great zeal for life made a dynamic
impression on all who were touched by him. We will pray for him and his wonderful family at this, their time of loss. May his memory be eternal.
STEPHEN PIERCE
July 15, 2005
GEORGE AND JOHN YOU HAVE THE REGARDS FROM ALL OF US AT UROSOUTH FOR YOUR LOSS. THE MEKRAS FAMILY IS IN OUR PRAYERS DURING THIS TIME. WE EXTEND OUR MOST SINCERE CONDOLANCES AS BEST WISHES.
ANNE PETROE
July 15, 2005
My deepest sympathy to all the family. It has been a great privilege and honor to have known Father Mekras for 32 years. I will miss him very much.
Mitch Poulos
July 15, 2005
Although I've lived away from home (Miami) for a large part of my life, Father Mekras was always a major figure in my life. It was always great to see him - although in the past years, it was either for a wedding or a funeral. He married my parents (Venus & Alex), baptized me, my sister, Georgia, and brothers, Jim and Demo, and performed the wedding ceremony for both my sister and myself, and baptized the grandkids. I'll never forget how supportive Father Mekras was after one of my early acting performances as a young child. For Sunday School, we did monologues of biblical figures. I had a smaller role but a few days before the performance, the role of Jesus opened up and I had to memorize a long monologue. I remember being up there on stage in the hall and knowing that this was something I loved to do, and wanted to do for the rest of my life. As I stepped down off the stage, Father Mekras took my hand, held it tight and whispered to me, "Great job, Mikey". The last time I saw Father Mekras was at the funeral of my mother. He was, as always, comforting, inspirational and gracious. Father Mekras was/is one of a kind. Someone who truly made a difference in this life.
Maria Elena Solares
July 15, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the family. Father was a great and inspiring man which I have always and will always hold very dear to my heart, I will remember him always with love and my deepest gratitude.
cathie stickna
July 15, 2005
my mother, stella c. betses sends her condolences to father mekras's family. she will surely miss father's sermons and his great personality also. we all loved him and will surely miss him. may his soul rest in peace.
Mary Leontakianakos
July 15, 2005
Our thughts and prayers go out to Fr. Mekras' family. We were honored to have him marry me and my husband Richard Lober 20 years ago. With our son, Christian Alexander, we pray for his blessed happiness in heaven.
Patricia Martinez
July 15, 2005
Our deepest condolences to the Mekras family.
Patricia & Luis Martinez
Harry & Audrey Venis
July 15, 2005
He lives with us in memory and will forevermore.
Father Mekras has been part of our family for over 52 years. He baptised me, married us 25 years ago this month, and then baptised both our children.
We will forever associate St.Sophia's Church with Fr. Mekras.He always welcomed us with a big smile.
My mother,Sophia Venis and her son John, also wish to send their condolences to your family.
Georgeann Venis
July 14, 2005
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Father Mekras, who christened me some 53 years ago. He was the most holy man I have ever known and he will forever live in my heart. May Father rest in peace in the hands of his Lord.
Chris Goranitis and family
July 14, 2005
Father Mekras was a true inspiration to so many of us. He had a special place in his heart for the Greek Community and even after so many years he preached words of inspiration and he constantly encouraged the youth to stay involved in the church and to be active and proud of their Greek culture. I am proud to have known Father Mekras for many years and I know that he is in heaven continuing his calling as a true servant of God. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Mekras family. May GOD be with you all during these difficult times as Father Mekras was with us during ours. May his memory be eternal.
Fr J Doukas Family
July 14, 2005
Dear Presvytera and Family,
We are very saddened to hear of the loss of Fr Mekras. From the time I was a seminarian in the 70s, Fr Mekras' name was well-known as a dynamo of a priest.
We express to you our heartfelt condolences and pray that our Lord gives you the needed strength during this difficult time.
AONEA H MNIMI TOU
George Edwin Reinoso
July 14, 2005
Dear Dr. John
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
We will keep Father Mekras in our prayers. May he rest in peace.
With our warmest regards,
George and Marlies Reinoso
Eunice Nikki Jamieson Perlegas
July 14, 2005
With deepest sympathy to his loving family, please know that we are deeply saddened by the loss of our family's dear friend and priest. He presided with grace and elegance over the high and low points of our lives and we will miss his sweet smile, gentle ways and beautiful voice.
Michele Falconer
July 14, 2005
Father Mekras will be deeply missed; he was truly a wonderful, compassionate man. He married my grandparents Demetrius (Jimmy) & Elizabeth (Ellie) Anagnostis, baptized and married my Mom and her brothers and baptized myself and my cousins. The Anagnostis family truly has special memories of him. With deepest sympathy
Dean Roller, M.D.
July 14, 2005
HEARTfelt condolences!
It was my pleasure (indeed, my honor) to have been Father Mekras' cardiologist during the past 15 years. He faced his own end with the same dignity that he displayed innumerable times in dealing with the tragedies of others.
I shall miss our office visits together, a fair number of which (not surprisingly) were spent chatting about non-medical issues.
May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who loved him.
Spiro Pitsoulakis
July 14, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the familY. Father Mekras was a great man and that's how we will all remember him. May he rest in peace.
Bobby Gray
July 14, 2005
George,
You and your family were truly blessed
to have such a great father. Trish and
I will have you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.
Bobby and Trisha
Billy Viar
July 14, 2005
"ALWAYS"
For every tear you cry,
A drop of rain will return to make you smile,
to touch you and to comfort you,
for your heart will not let him die...
For every rainbow you see,
his hands will reach out to you
and hold you in his arms,
for he will always be...
For every sad thought you allow,
His memory will sail with the wind
through your mind forever, and he will always be alive somehow...
For the greatest love lives within you and every breath you take will calm you and his hands will touch
you tenderly,
his existance will shine through...
For your dad there will never be an end,
your love was his greatest moment and he will always be with you,
your Angel, your Father,
your best friend,
Always...
George, I hope you and your family
find comfort in my poem.
My love always,
Billy
LaVerne Johnson
July 14, 2005
I am so sorry to hear of your loss!I knew him from working in Ambulatory Surgery at Doctor's Hospital.He was a very special man! He will be sorely missed. I am unable to attend the services because I will be at another funeral service in Overtown-God Bless
LIZ & JIM CAPTAIN
July 14, 2005
WE ARE SADDENED BY FATHERS PASSING AND KNOW THAT HE WILL BE MISSED. FATHER MARRIED US FORTY YEARS AGO THIS MONTH AND OUR DAUGHTER AND HER HUSBAND TWELVE YEARS AGO AND KNEW US ALL BY OUR FIRST NAMES. NOT TO FORGET THE FUNERALS FOR OUR FAMILY. WE SO ENJOYED FATHERS SERMONS. WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY.
Barbara Makris
July 14, 2005
The world is dimmer...but the stars in heaven are brighter...we will miss you here on earth...but long to see you again...in the Kingdom of Heaven...Opa!
James Messiry
July 14, 2005
Ana and I send our condolences for your untimely loss. Father Mekras will be remembered by family, friends and acquaintances for his warmth, humanity and wit. We are honored to have met him.
Anthony Hados
July 14, 2005
The Hados family will deeply miss Father and forever remember his love of life.
claude appenzeller
July 14, 2005
To the Mekras family we extend our deepest sympathy. As a softball player for and against St. Sophia in the 1940's I remember Father Mekras as an avid and calm leader of St. Sophia softball teams.
Cathy Margoshes
July 14, 2005
I will always fondly remember how kind your Father was, especially after constantly having to chase us out of the bell tower. He was a fine and gentle man as reflected in his sons. He will be dearly missed.
Leo,Sophia,& Marcus Lemonis
July 14, 2005
May Father Rest In Peace
God Bless Him
Leo,Sophia,& Marcus Lemonis
Valerie Galatis
July 14, 2005
Father Mekras was a very special person to our family. He married my parents, Jerry & Gloria Galatis 45 years ago, married and baptized myself and my sisters. He will be greatly missed, but always remembered. Love, The Galatis Family
Aphrodite Varkis
July 14, 2005
My condolences.
Lisbeth Margoshes Bustin
July 14, 2005
My family and I were deeply saddened to learn about the death of your father. We fondly remember him as a quiet, compasionate and caring man. We loved living down the street from the church within hearing distance of the belltower. Hearing the bells tolling Christmas songs every year was a real treat. Your father inspired in me a lifelong love and appreciation of Greek history, food, and culture. His memory lives on. My husband and I will be out of town this weekend and will miss the funeral. We send you all our best wishes.
Sincerely,
Liz
Lydia Manners
July 14, 2005
Words cannot describe the loss you must feel and the void the Greek community has to endure with his passing. I am proud to say that I was baptized by such a wonderful man and have fond memories of him. May the strength of his character be with you and yours in this time of sorrow.
Ted and Doreen Venis
July 14, 2005
With deepest sympathy.We are truely saddened by Father Mekras death.
Tony Seker, Sr.
July 14, 2005
He was truly a great and loved man. I kmow that God will welcome him knowing how many lives he touched with his love when he was with us. He will always be with us in our thoughts.
Olga Kalogeropoulos
July 14, 2005
Father Mekras was a special man. I don't think there are enough words in any language to describe just how special, loving and wonderful he was. He will alway be remebered by my mother and myself.
We love you
Eonia oi mnimi..
Georgia Poulos George
July 14, 2005
I am saddened by the loss of this wonderful man. He always brought warmth and smiles to everyone around him. I wish all of you to remember your wonderful memories of you life with him. He is probably the top person whom I admired in my life. I love him with all my heart. Love, Georgia Poulos George.
cathie stickna
July 14, 2005
our sympathy goes out to father mekras's family. father mekras will surely be missed by all who loved him and knew him. i loved his sermons. my mom, stells and i and my children will surely miss him. may his soul rest in peace.
Anthony & Dianne Seker
July 14, 2005
His warmth and caring will be greatly missed.
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