Father John Estephan
1918 – 2011
Archpriest John (Juan) Estefan, Nov 15, 1918 – May 1, 2011, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his daughter’s home with his family at his side. He retired as Dean of the Antiochian Orthodox Clergy for the State of Michigan, Windsor, London, and Toronto, Canada (1975 – 2007). Now he rests in the everlasting arms of his faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Father Estefan was awarded a doctorate in the History of the Middle East by the University of Mexico, Mexico City. He was ordained a priest in January 1962 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and at the same time became the priest of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1967 the Academy of Arts and Science of the International Institute of Anthropology awarded him an honorary doctorate for his “Study of Man”. He was promoted in 1975 to the rank of Archpriest in the Archdiocese of the United States and was named Dean for the Antiochian Orthodox Church under the spiritual leadership of his Eminence, Metropolitan Archbishop Philip Saliba.
Father John authored and co-authored several books and articles on politics of the Middle East, as well as several poems. He was fluent in Arabic, English, French, Greek and Spanish.
Father John “Aboona” is survived by his wife of 68 years, Soad Estefan; sons, Salam J (Sue), and Elias; daughters, Salwa Crosby (Jim), Sanaa Wells (Rick) and Soad Clark (Steve); 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grand-children and sisters Assene Habib (NH) and Ghabe Towne (CA), in addition to many loving nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 334 Lagrave Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Wednesday, May 4th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The church will be open all day for viewing. Services will be held at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church on Thursday, May 5th at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Kent Memorial Gardens, 7295 Clyde Park SW, Byron Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in memory of Father John Estefan. A special thank you to Spectrum Hospice, Dr. Saleh Dyke, Father George Shalhoub (Detroit), and Father John Winfrey (Grand Rapids). More information can be found at www.stgeorgegr.com Ofield Funeral Home
From the Antiochian Archdiocese
Father John Estephan, retired from St George/Grand Rapids, MI, fell asleep in Christ early Sunday morning, May 1. Father John was one of the senior-most priests of our Archdiocese, having served for many years as Dean of the Michigan Deanery. Condolences may be sent to Khouriya Soad and the Estephan family at info@stgeorgegr.com. Please join me in praying a rope for the repose of Father John’s soul, saying, “O Lord Jesus Christ, grant rest to the soul of Thy departed servant.” May he be granted Paradise, and may you be granted long life.
+ Bishop Basil of Wichita
http://www.antiochian.org/node/25753
Funeral Details
Below you will find the services times for Fr. John Estephan’s funeral service. These times and services have been worked out with the family and with the bishops to fulfill both requests of Fr. John Estephan and the desire of the Church to give him the honor due his many years of faithful service to St. George parish.
Wednesday, May 4th
11:00am – Fr. John will arrive at St George Church and the watch will begin being kept from that time until his funeral on Thursday. You will be welcome to come pay your respects to Fr John who will be laying in state at the church, though the family will only be available from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm.
7:00pm – The Funeral Service for a Priest. This is a special service that is given only for priests on the night before their burial. This will be done instead of the Trisagion Prayers of mercy.
Thursday, May 5th
9:30am - Divine Liturgy. It is customary to have the Divine Liturgy served on the morning of the priest’s burial, as he has given his life to service this tremendous life-giving Mystery for the Faithful. Now we offer this same Mystery for him.
11:00am – The Paschal Funeral Service. We will be serving the Paschal Funeral Service for Fr John Estephan. This is the most beautiful of the Church’s funeral services as it is marked by the Resurrection throughout and our deepest hope.
The meal of mercy will follow the funeral service and then the family and those who wish to join them will go to the cemetery for the interment of Fr John.
There will be a booklet printed that will include both the Priest’s Funeral Service and the Paschal Funeral Service.
Those who are coming in from a distance may find a reasonable room at the Courtyard by Marriott at 11 Monroe Ave NW. The phone number is (616) 242-6000. It is located very close to the church.
May Christ our God bless all of you as you travel, and please keep Fr John, Kh. Soad and the entire Estephan family in your God-pleasing prayers.
Fr. John Winfrey