General News
Meropi Kyriacou Honored as TNH Educator of the Year
NEW YORK – Meropi Kyriacou, the new Principal of The Cathedral School in Manhattan, was honored as The National Herald’s Educator of the Year.
SALINAS, CA – It was with sadness yet with hope in the Resurrection that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announced the repose of V. Rev. Archimandrite Mark Vinas, who fell asleep in the Lord. Father Mark was a distinguished clergyman who served with faith and love for the Lord for nearly six decades.
“Father Mark was an unassuming priest, never desiring to draw attention to himself. Rather, he wanted the focus to be on the Lord and for people to deepen their faith and knowledge of the Holy Scripture,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “He lived a simple life, and preferred to spend time in prayer and contemplation, as well as share the love of the Lord through his ministry to several communities, all of whom were blessed with his presence, commitment and love.”
Father Mark was born December 18, 1930. Following high school, he enrolled in Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology. He continued his studies at Boston University, earning a Master of Arts in Philosophy.
He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Olympos on January 19, 1962 at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA. Just three weeks later, on February 10, 1962, Father Mark was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, again by Bishop Demetrios, at the Annunciation Church in Sacramento, CA. Father Mark was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite by His Grace Bishop Anthony of San Francisco, on behalf of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on February 12, 1981.
During his long and distinguished ministry, Father Mark served the parishes of Annunciation – Sacramento, CA; Annunciation Cathedral – Denver, CO; Saint Andrew the Apostle Church – San Luis Obispo, CA; Prophet Elias Church – Santa Cruz, CA; and Saint John the Baptist – Salinas (Carmel by the Sea), CA.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Father Mark was a dedicated and most beloved educator, having taught at Lincoln Elementary School in Salinas for several decades.
A Trisagion service held on July 7 at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church of Salinas. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos presided at the funeral, followed immediately by the Makaria. The interment will was held on Thursday afternoon at the Garden of Memories Memorial Park, 850 Abbott Street, Salinas, CA.
Father Mark is survived by his half-sister Alice Harkins and her husband Kent, and is predeceased by his parents and two half-brothers. During his advanced years, he was cared for with great compassion by friends Dr. Luciano and Norma del Toro. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of V. Rev. Archimandrite Mark Vinas can be offered to the parishes he so lovingly served: Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 5808, Carmel by the Sea, CA 93921; or Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 223 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
NEW YORK – Meropi Kyriacou, the new Principal of The Cathedral School in Manhattan, was honored as The National Herald’s Educator of the Year.
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