His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Eulogy for Evripides Kontos
May 28, 2020
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian
Tenafly, New Jersey
Beloved Evangelia,
Steve, Dino, Kathy and Family,
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!
We have come together on this final day of the Paschal Season to bid farewell to a remarkable human being, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and true patriot and son of Cyprus, Evripides Kontos.
Somehow, this day seems most fitting to bid farewell to a man whose entire life was a witness of strength and devotion to his family, his motherland of Cyprus, his Faith, and his contribution to society.
His enterprising spirt was indomitable. His innovation, diligence, and resourcefulness are witnessed by the enormous success of Kontos Foods. He was an exemplary entrepreneur among a veritable phalanx of entrepreneurs that are the pride of the Omogeneia. The fact that his entrepreneurial spirit lives on in his family is a testament to his commitment to excellence and the spirit of αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν that is the hallmark of the Hellenic People, wherever they may be.
As mournful as today is for all of you – the parting from our beloved is never easy – I pray that your hearts are full of good memories and pride in his achievements, which were accomplishments worthy of many lifetimes!
Also, please take comfort in the special prayers that we say today, the Apodosis of Resurrection of Christ. Apodosis means “to give back.” And today, in this service which is reserved only for Bright Week and this, the Fortieth Day from Pascha, we lovingly and with great respect give back the soul of Evripides to the loving and merciful God who gave him life, and Who gave him to us.
May we always cherish his memory, which now enters into eternity with all the saints who have ever pleased the Lord.
May the servant of God, Evripides, find eternal rest in the mansions of the Saints, the Tabernacles of the Righteous, and the peaceful embrace of Father Abraham.
And may all of you know the comfort and solace of God’s Holy Mother, our Panaghia, to constantly bring to your minds all the good memories of your life together, and the sure and certain hope of life everlasting in the Resurrection.
Αἰωνία του ἡ μνήμη! Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!
