VERY REVEREND FATHER JAMES MIHALAKIS The Very Reverend Father James Mihalakis ("Father James") was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 5, 1921, to Michael and Stella Arsman Mihalakis. After graduation from high school, he enrolled in the University of Detroit, with the goal of obtaining a degree in electrical engineering. However, in December, 1941, the United States entered into World War II, and Father James joined the Army shortly afterwards. He was placed in the Transportation Corps in New Guinea for the duration of the war; and upon his return, he entered the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, to prepare to be ordained as a priest. Upon the death of his father, Father James found it necessary to interrupt his religious studies and return to Detroit to pursue work to care for his mother and sister. Nevertheless, he devoted every hour outside of work to the Orthodox Church, serving as Executive Secretary of his parish church, organizing its Sunday School, teaching catechism classes, and reading everything available concerning the Faith. During this period, he worked at a hospital and studied to become a certified oxygen therapist. However, he realized he could not ignore the persistent call from our Lord Jesus Christ which beckoned him to become a priest. Under the tutelage of the Reverend Nicholas Harbatis, Father James continued his religious studies. In 1968, at the age of 47 years, he was ordained deacon and then a priest at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Detroit. Father James was assigned as Pastor of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of our Savior in Florence, South Carolina, in September of 1968. Father James assumed the duties of priest and Greek School teacher. Under his guidance over the next 24 years, the church buildings and property were enhanced and expanded. The iconostasis was completed and installed, six acres of additional property were purchased, the mortgages on both the church and the parsonage were paid in full, six additional classrooms were added to the church, the gold-leaf cross was installed on the church dome, and the beautiful Byzantine iconography was completed in the church and Sanctuary. In addition to teaching adult Greek language classes, Father James worked extensively to improve the religious education offered to parishioners of all ages through the Sunday School and adult Bible classes and the publication of the church newsletter. He was the motivating factor in the growth of the Senior, Men's and Junior Choirs. He supported the growth of many parish organizations, which include the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society, G.O.Y.A., J.O.Y., the Order of A.H.E.P.A. and the Panagia Prousiotissa Chapter "Velouchi". Father James encouraged the promotion of the Greek community's spirit in Florence, South Carolina, through the parish's sponsorship of Greek Independence Day celebrations, Greek Festivals, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving dinners, and community picnics. Father James was instrumental in the decision of two of his parishioners to become priests. In 1988, the Bishop of Atlanta bestowed on Father James the title of "Archimandrite", the highest ecclesiastical honor given to a celibate clergyman. After his official retirement as an active parish priest in 1992, Father James continued to serve the Church. He was assigned to help establish a new church community in the Tri-Cities area of east Tennessee, working for about 3 years as priest of the parish which is now Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tennessee. He then returned to Florence and has provided assistance whenever needed to those priests who have served Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. The Very Reverend Father James Mihalakis fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, April 22, 2007, at the age of 85, Florence, SC. May God rest His faithful servant! Surviving Sister: Kalliope Drudge Surviving niece: Katherine Schultz (Steven) Surviving great-niece: Amber Schultz of N. Muskegon Also: a number of cousins Arrangements by: A. J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road, Troy, MI (248-362-2500) In State at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 West Wattles Road, Troy, Michigan, Friday, April 27, 2007, from 7-8 PM, with Trisagion Friday at 7:30 PM Divine Liturgy: Saturday, April 28, 2007 – 11 AM at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Funeral Service: Saturday, April 28 at 1 PM, also at St. Nicholas Church Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan Memorial Tributes may be made to: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 West Wattles Road, Troy, Michigan 48098