Metropolitan Nathanael presides over funeral of Fr Christos Pappas

Metropolitan Nathanael of Gjirokastër presided over the funeral service of the late Protopresbyter Fr Christos Pappas at the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs in Alyko, near Sarandë, Albania.

The Metropolitan was joined by priests from the wider region, while a large number of local residents gathered to bid farewell to the priest, who died at the age of 88.

In his funeral address, Metropolitan Nathanael paid tribute to Fr Christos’ long ministry and his dedication to the Orthodox Church and its faithful.

“His memory remains connected with the altar where he served, with the churches where he prayed, and with the people whom he served as a spiritual shepherd,” the Metropolitan said.

“His life was characterized by his devotion to the Church, his love for the faithful and his many years of ministry among the people of God,” he added.

Following the funeral service, Fr Christos was laid to rest at the cemetery Church of Saint Barbara in Alyko, with Metropolitan Nathanael presiding over the burial.

Fr Christos Pappas was remembered as a priest whose life was closely associated with the Orthodox faith during a particularly difficult period for the Church in Albania.

As a…