Born: 1922
Died: 2005

Father Mekras served the Orthodox Communities of South Florida for 61 years. His name is synonymous with Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. As a graduate of Pomfret Holy Cross Seminary were he received his formal education in the Greek language, he was ordained to the Diaconate in Syracuse NY June 1944. A native of Lowell, MA, Father Makras came to Miami November 1944 with his bride, Presvytera Toula and was ordained to the priesthood January 1945. Under the leadership of Father Mekras and the support of faithful parishioners, the Saint Sophia Cathedral and Auditorium were erected to the Glory of God. The Parish thrived through his pastoral guidance and spiritual leadership. Father Mekras will be remembered for his good nature, love of people, a strong commitment to Orthodoxy, his love of the Greek Language and Hellenic culture. Father Mekras helped to establish Greek Orthodox parishes from Melbourne to the Florida Keys and west to Ft. Myers and Naples as these communities he served for many years. Multi-generations of families have celebrated sacraments with Father Mekras. He has been an inspiration to his parishioners and family and has touched the lives of those who know him. Father Mekras has been active in the Greater Miami community since 1944 having served to date as Orthodox Chaplain at the VA Hospital, a translator for the Federal and State court system, past officer and member of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and Vice-President of the Orthodox Retired Clergy. Father Mekras has been a beloved priest, devoted husband and father, papou, son, brother and cherished friend. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Evangelia Makras; brothers, George and Christos Mekras. Father Mekras will be deeply mourned by his surviving family, wife of 61 years, Toula, children: Evangeline (John) Scurtis, Dr. George (Satira) Mekras, John (Pamela) Mekras. Grandchildren, Anastasia (Panagiotis) Arvanitis, Cynthia  (Alexander) Rodriguez, Constantine (Hillary) Scurtis, Demosthenes George (Lourdes Peter, John Demosthenes, John, Cynthia, Samuel, Maria Makras. Great-grand children, Ariana and Joana Arvanitis, C. Jonathan Scurtls, Natasha RodrIguez. Brother-law, Aristomenis (Mary) Panos; sisters-in-law, Marie Panos, Christina Matson, Mary Mekras. Many nieces, nephews, cousins. The passing of Father Mekras has left a great void in the Orthodox community as he has been and always will be a legacy within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. His family is greatly diminished with his death.