On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the esteemed retired cleric of the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta, Protopresbyter Fr. Eleftherios Kanavaros, passed away at the age of 96. His life was marked by dedicated service to the Church and the community, leaving a profound legacy.
The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Molai, with His Eminence Metropolitan Efstathios presiding over the ceremony.
Fr. Eleftherios was born on March 12, 1929, in Pakia, Laconia. He pursued his education at the lower Ecclesiastical School of Corinth and later attended the night Ecclesiastical Lyceum of Athens. His commitment to the clergy began with his ordination as a Deacon on December 6, 1956, at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Gythio, followed by his ordination as a Priest on December 16, 1956, at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Gythio by the late Metropolitan Philimon of Gythio and Oitylo.
From January 1, 1957, to February 28, 1966, he served the Parish of Skouras. Subsequently, from May 1, 1969, until May 31, 2005, he was assigned to the Parish of Kremasti, and from March 1, 1966, until his retirement, he served the Parish of Phoinikio. He became a Spiritual Father in May 1966, and on February 26, 1984, he was awarded the title of Economos by Metropolitan Efstathios. On March 22, 1999, he received the title of Protopresbyter, recognizing his extensive service.
As a testament to his years of dedicated ministry, on August 31, 2015, Metropolitan Efstathios honored the late Fr. Eleftherios with a commendation for his 60 years of faithful service. Throughout his life, Fr. Eleftherios Kanavaros served God and humanity with genuine faith and love, distinguished by his humility, integrity, and simplicity in all his actions.
May the Risen Lord of life and death grant rest to his soul and place him among the righteous.
