His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, together with Metropolitan Maximos of Ioannina, Greece and 14 Priests from Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina officiated at the Funeral Service of Fr. Taxiarhis Vlahos on January 8, 2020.
May Fr. Tommy's memory be eternal.
January 3, 2020
Dear Faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta,
Christ is in our midst!
I address you with the sad news that our beloved Fr. Taxiarhis Vlahos, of Charlotte, NC, fell asleep in the Lord during the evening of January 3rd. His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios has asked that we pray for his eternal repose and for his beloved Presbytera Giannoula and their family. His life and ministry touched countless souls and we commend his spirit to the Eternal City of our Lord.
On a personal note, I first met Fr. Tommy in 1987 when my mother of blessed memory was transported from Virginia and hospitalized in Charlotte. Father came to the hospital unexpectedly, and every day she was there he visited her. He consoled and supported her and she grew close to him. He reminded her of the peace and love of God and he reassured her to stay strong and never be fearful. My family has always been grateful to him for his ministry to our family.
As a layman, I fondly recall his gentle pastoral approach that lifted my mother’s spirits and assured her God was present and protecting her. I felt I had met an angel - his name “Taxiarhis” gave him away as one of God’s special messengers here on earth, ministering to the needs of those he served. He was a mentor to me and his respect and love for others taught me what
“ieroprepia” entailed. What a blessing I received when he was present at my ordination to the Priesthood nine years later. I am certain that each of you have fond memories and I thank you for allowing me to share my initial encounter which imprinted upon my heart the dynamic role we as clergy offer on behalf of our Incarnate Lord. May each of us be so blessed to offer God’s mercy as Fr. Taxiarhis did, supported by his loving Presbytera. May God ease her suffering and that of his children and grandchildren; may Presbytera continue to inspire us as she has been doing throughout her life – showing us how to support our spouse, family, and parishioners.
I commend Fr. Vasileios Tsourlis, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Charlotte, for his support of Fr. Tommy and Presbytera Giannoula since moving to Charlotte, and especially as Fr. Tommy’s life on this earth grew short. Fr. Vasileios shared Father departed this life peacefully. Earlier today he was quietly listening to the Divine Liturgy from YouTube.
Indeed, he was and always will be a Priest Forever.
His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios has asked our Metropolis clergy to offer a Trisagion in memory of Fr. Taxiarhis this Sunday. His funeral will be at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday, January 8th at 11:00 a.m. His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios will officiate and He invites our clergy to join him. [Orthros is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. and Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.]
In closing, I offer the personal witness Fr. Tommy left us on the website of our Greek Orthodox Retired Clergy Association. I hope you will read it; it will touch your heart as you are reminded of his trials in life and his perseverance and sacrifices to serve God faithfully until his blessed repose. His witness reminds us of God’s presence and power in our lives when we submit to His will.
Click here to read.