Greek community mourns death of Merrillville priest

The Greek community is mourning the death of a Merrillville priest.

The Rev. George Pappas, 54, died Wednesday. He was assistant priest at St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral for six years, the Rev. Ted Poteres, its head priest said.

“It’s a deep shock for all of us,” he said.

Two visitations are scheduled. Pappas will lie in state from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at St. Constantine and Helen in Merrillville, 8000 Madison St. A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Visitation is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Demetrios, 2727 W. Winona St., Chicago. Divine Liturgy will follow at 11 a.m., then the funeral service. Pappas will be buried at Ridgewood Cemetery, 9900 N Milwaukee Ave., in Des Plaines, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Pappas, the church’s Presvytera, and son, Perry. Originally from Chicago, Pappas also has several relatives in Wisconsin and Greece, according to his obituary.

He grew up at St. Demetrios in Chicago, Poteres said. After his ordination, Pappas was sent to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, then Holy Trinity in Sioux City, Iowa, before landing in Merrillville, where the parish embraced him, he said.

“He loved being with people,” Poteres said, adding he first met Pappas when Pappas was 13 in church summer camp.

As a priest, he was known for his approachability, “big smile” and bear hugs. Pappas developed a close relationship with the church’s youth, and was often sent out to hospital calls, which turned easily into social calls, Poteres said.

“I sent him on a hospital call, three hours later, he still hasn’t come back,” Poteres said.

Pappas was also a lively presence at numerous church festivals, the last held just weeks ago, and annual motorcycle blessings.

“He was just committed to serving the Lord,” Parish Council President John Petalas, Lake County Auditor, said. “He had a very happygo-lucky personality. He was able to relate to people very easily.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral Roof Fund or to Chicago’s St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

“May his memory be eternal,” his obituary said.