MEMORY ETERNAL! The Very Rev. John Elias was born in 1939 in Hafa, Latakia, Syria. He passed away on February 11, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. Father John faithfully served the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese 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.
Archpriest John was preceded in death by his parents: Nassim and Badia; his sisters Yvonne, Azizeh, and Mother Antonina. He is survived by his wife, Kh. 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 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Friday February 14th, 2014: Visitation from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The special Funeral Service for a priest will be held at 6:30 pm with The Right Rev. Bishop Nicholas and Archpriest Kamal Al-Rahil presiding. All are welcome to attend.
Saturday February 15th, 2014: Divine Liturgy at 9:00am followed by the funeral service at St. George Orthodox Church, Bishop Nicholas presiding. All are welcome to attend. The internment and final resting location will be located at the cemetery at St. Justin the Martyr (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
St. Justin the Martyr