Born : April 10, 1929

Died : January 24, 2016

It is with deep sorrow that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese announced the passing of Father John Romas fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, January 24, 2016 shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

 

Father John Romas (Ἰωάννης Ραμπαούνης) was born on April 10, 1929, to Demetrios and Basiliki Ραμπαούνη in Dorvitsa, Naupactias, Greece. Upon completion of his high school education, he went on to complete a four year program at the School of Mechanics “ΗΦΑΙΣΤΟΣ” in Athens, Greece. He arrived in the United States on August 29, 1952, and later that year married Lorraine (Ourania) Papachristou in Mt. Vernon, NY.

 

Father John followed his calling later on in life and in August of 1984 was ordained a deacon and presbyter in Greece. Following his return to the United States in 1987, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos assigned him as the Proistameno of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Manhattan. Father John continued to serve the St. Nicholas Church until  the devastating terrorist attack of September 11th which resulted in the destruction of this house  of worship. A priest for almost 32 years, Father John served with zeal and dedication, and indeed was the heart and soul of the St. Nicholas Church, especially after its destruction. He labored tirelessly for the rebuilding of the church and anxiously awaited the completion of his beloved St. Nicholas, taking much pride in its designation as a National Shrine of our Archdiocese.

 

A compassionate and kind man with a gentle soul, Father truly loved his Church, his Parishioners and his beloved Presvytera of 64 years who survives him. May the Good Lord grant him rest in His heavenly kingdom and give comfort and strength to his loved ones.

 

The funeral service were held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Sts. Constantine and Helen, Brooklyn, NY, where he assisted following 9/11. Interment was at the Beechwood Cemetery in New Rochelle, NY. May his memory be eternal!