Reverend Father Dennis Canavos

Reverend Father Dennis Canavos died peacefully on March 27 after a courageous battle with circulatory problems. Father Dennis was born in the village of Kalesmenon in the Prefecture of Evrytania, Greece, in 1928. He first came to the United States as an infant in 1929, returned to Greece with his parents, the late Chris and Alexandra Canavos in 1933, and came back to the United States in 1946 after having endured considerable pain and suffering during the awful days of World War II. He completed his primary and secondary education in the prefecture capital of Karpenissi. He attended the Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, MA hoping to fulfill his life-long dream of becoming a priest. Although his dream was sidetracked for some time, nevertheless he fulfilled his dream in 1978 when he was ordained by Bishop John of Atlanta to the priesthood. Upon his ordination, Father Dennis was assigned as the spiritual leader of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in High Point, where he served in that capacity for more than 30 years until his death. During this time, Father Dennis also assisted Father Demetri Kangelaris and his predecessor, Father George Kiricoples, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston-Salem. Father Dennis was known as a tireless person always visiting the sick in the area hospitals and nursing homes, offering them a ray of hope with his prayers. In October, 2008 the High Point Community of St. George bestowed on Father Dennis the distinct honor of naming their community center the Father Dennis Canavos Fellowship Hall. Prior to his ordination, Father Dennis was the owner of the popular eating establishment, Little Pep Restaurant, in downtown Winston-Salem. His infectious personality and great food always kept bringing back to Little Pep his many customers. Father Dennis was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army in the early 50's in Germany. He was also a member of the Evrytanian Association. Prior to his ordination, he served the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston-Salem in many capacities, including president of the Parish Council on six different years and a member of the Building Committee. To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife Marika of more than 50 years, his daughter Alexandra and her husband Jimmy Kontos of Clemmons, his son George and his wife Sheryl Canavos of Greensboro, his grandchildren Dimitri and Dennis Kontos, his sister-in-law Fotini Bobocharis of Winston-Salem, his brothers George C. Canavos and his wife Athena of Williamsburg, VA and Sam Canavos and his wife Kiki of Newport News, VA and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 29 from 7 to 8:30 PM at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, with the Trisagion Service conducted at 7:30 PM. The funeral will take place on Monday, March 30 at 12 Noon, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. The service will be preceded by a Divine Liturgy at 11:00 AM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions to the memory of Father Dennis may be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 808 North Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27262 or to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, NC, 27104.

Memorials:
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions to the memory of Father Dennis may be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 808 North Hamilton Street, High Point, NC 27262 or to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, NC, 27104.

Visitation:
07:00pm - 08:30pm on March 29, 2009 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Service:
Service at 12:00pm on March 30, 2009 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church