Bishop Iakovos of Catania
August 10, 1927 – June 21, 2018
It is with great sorrow, yet with hope in the Resurrection, to convey news of the passing of the loss of a Hierarch of our Archdiocese, Bishop Iakovos of Catania, who reposed in the Lord on June 21, 2018. His Grace Bishop Iakovos leaves behind a beautiful legacy, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His Grace Bishop Iakovos (Pililis) of Catania, was born in Megara, Greece, on August 10, 1927. He was raised in the Orthodox faith by his deeply pious parents, He was the devoted brother of the late Vasilios Pililis (brother) and Kleoniki Pililis (sister). survived by his sister, Maria Papanicholaou, and cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews.
“I knew Bishop Iakovos for many years and he was not only a distinguished hierarch, but a prominent scholar and theologian. His love for the Church and serving the Lord was the focus of his entire life, and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others to bring them closer to the fullness of Christ,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.
He was inspired to enter the Priesthood, eventually receiving his degree from the University of Athens School of Theology in 1951 where he was a classmate of Archbishop Demetrios. After entering a monastery, and then serving, as a Deacon, Bishop Iakovos was ordained a Priest on April 26, 1952. He continued his studies at Oxford in London, and Fordham University and Columbia University in New York. After excellent and brilliant studies, he was awarded the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. On May 21, 1967, he was ordained titular Bishop of Catania, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of North and South America. He was Vicar for the Archdiocese in Houston (1967-1970), in Buenos Aires (1970-1974) and in Charlotte (1974-1977). His Grace was known for his love of Orthodox worship, especially the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, and his devout adherence to Orthodox customs, traditions and practices. Beyond his intellectuality, Bishop Iakovos was truly a Hierarch of the Lord.
The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2018, preceded by Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m., at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, 36 North Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Florida, with His Eminence Alexios Metropolitan of Atlanta presiding. His Grace will be laid to rest at Sylvan Abby Memorial Park in Clearwater, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bishop Iakovos of Catania can be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, TN) and Metropolitan Ministries Charity (Tampa, FL).
May his memory be eternal!