The Very Reverend Archpriest Father John Elias

The Very Reverend Archpriest Father John Elias was born in 1939 in Hafa, Latakia, Syria. He passed away on February 11, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. Fr. John faithfully served the Antiochian Orthodox Church in America for 40 years in the following parishes:

St. Mary’s Yonkers, NY; St. Thomas in Sioux City, Iowa, St. George in Akron, OH; St. George in El Paso, Texas; St. Mary in Omaha, NE, and St. George in Jacksonville, FL where he served from 1992-2001. He is preceded in death by his parents: Nassim and Badia; his sisters Yvonne, Azizeh, and Mother Antonina. He is survived by his wife, Nawall Elias; his children Yvonne, Jany (husband), Azizeh, Zaharia (husband), Nassim, Dana (wife); his grandchildren: Reema, Nicole, John, Alina, Michael, Christopher; his brothers Aziz and Spiro, and his sisters Hind and Nadia. Father John was a beloved Priest, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. May his memory be Eternal. Christ is Risen!

All services for Archpriest John Elias will be held at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church located at 6300 Bowden Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216.

Thursday February 13, 2014:

· Family is accepting condolences from 5:00PM to 8:00PM

Friday February 14th, 2014: .

· Visitation from 5:00PM to 6:30PM.

· The special Funeral Service for a priest will be held at 6:30 PM, Right Reverend Bishop NICHOLAS and Archpriest Fr. Kamal Al-Rahil presiding. All are welcome to attend.

Saturday February 15th, 2014:

· Divine Liturgy @ 9:00am followed by the funeral service at St. George Orthodox Church, Bishop NICHOLAS presiding. All are welcome to attend.

· The interment & final resting location will be located at St. Justin Martyr Orthodox Cemetery (12460 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville 32258)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any of the following: St. George Education Building Fund, St. John the Divine, or St. Justin the Martyr Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.