Marlborough – Rev. Fr. Peter C. Chrisafideis, 91, of Marlborough and formerly of Lynn died peacefully Thursday February 2, 2023, at Salem Hospital after a short illness.
He was born, raised and educated in Lynn MA., the son of the late Christos P. and Fotini (Karavetos) Chrisafideis and was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School Class of 1949. Fr. Peter received his Master’s Degree in Divinity from Hellenic/Holy Cross College in 1956.
He was ordained by Bishop Polyefktos and assisted by Rev. Renleris in 1958 at Ypapanti in Pittsburgh PA. Following his ordination, he was assigned to Ypapanti Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh from 1958 to 1963. He served many churches throughout his life including St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Baltimore, Maryland, Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church in Marlborough 1974 until 1982 and St. Nicholas and in Enfield, Connecticut from where he retired.
In 1958 he was invited by the Governor of Pennsylvania to give the Benediction and Invocation of the homecoming ceremonies in front of the Harrisburg Capitol for the 34th President of the United States of America and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower. In February 1989 he had the pleasure of officiating over the marriage of Olympia Snowe, US Senator of Maine and then Governor of Maine John McKernan. On February 25, 1999 Fr. Peter gave the opening prayer for the United States Senate.
He was an avid New England Sports fan putting the Red Sox and Celtics at the top of his must see games. He always looked forward to having Sunday dinners with his children. He loved being a priest and enjoyed meeting people and listening to their life stories. He enjoyed talking about the Greek Orthodox faith, politics, current events and sports.
He leaves two sons, Peter M. Chrisafideis and his wife Michelle of Ashland and Chris P. Chrisafideis and his wife Jeannie of Marlborough; a daughter Constance Evangelous and her husband Matthew of Hudson; two sisters, Tina Pilavis of Florida and Anna Chrisafideis of Lynn; nine grandchildren (Stefan, Jenna, Madelyn, Abigail, Mia, Marcus, Alexandra, Isabella and Sofia) and one great grandchild (Theo), many nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son Chris Chrisafideis of Pittsburgh and his siblings Frank Chrisafideis and Freda Bakos.
On Tuesday, February 7th at Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church located on 9 Central Street, Marlborough there will be a Divine Liturgy celebrated from 9-10 AM. The time of visitation will be held from 10-11 AM followed by a funeral service at 11 AM officiated by His Eminence Bishop Methodios. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Fr. Peter’s name to Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 381, Marlborough, MA 01752.
The Collins Funeral Home of Marlborough assisted with arrangements.
