Today in Wheeling History: August 15—Rev. Stephen Mazaris begins his pastoral service at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Wheeling, West Virginia (1989).
The Very Rev. Archimandrite Stephen Mazaris was born on August 14, 1933, in Weirton, West Virginia, to Nicholas and Catherine Mazaris, immigrants from Asia Minor. Raised in a devout Greek Orthodox household, he developed a deep love for faith, culture, and learning. He was ordained a deacon in 1985 and a priest in 1986, and later elevated to the rank of archimandrite in 1992.
On August 15, 1989, Fr. Stephen began his pastoral service at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Wheeling, West Virginia—the first Greek Orthodox parish established in the state, dating back to 1913. His tenure lasted until October 31, 1995. During these years, he oversaw spiritual growth, liturgical refinement, and the beautification of the sanctuary, including the installation of sacred icons such as the Pantocrator and Platytera. He was known for his reverent worship, educational outreach, and deep pastoral care.
After leaving Wheeling, Fr. Stephen served at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in New Kensington, Pennsylvania until his retirement in 2019. He continued assisting at Pittsburgh-area parishes until his passing on March 16, 2025, at age 91. He was laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Steubenville, Ohio. His legacy in Wheeling remains a treasured part of the city’s Orthodox heritage.
To learn more: History of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church – Ohio County Public Library (https://tinyurl.com/949dkfcy), Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home tribute (https://tinyurl.com/yeyu6m9y), Legacy.com obituary (https://tinyurl.com/y3t8y238)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Google Maps
The Very Rev. Archimandrite Stephen Mazaris was born on August 14, 1933, in Weirton, West Virginia, to Nicholas and Catherine Mazaris, immigrants from Asia Minor. Raised in a devout Greek Orthodox household, he developed a deep love for faith, culture, and learning. He was ordained a deacon in 1985 and a priest in 1986, and later elevated to the rank of archimandrite in 1992.
On August 15, 1989, Fr. Stephen began his pastoral service at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Wheeling, West Virginia—the first Greek Orthodox parish established in the state, dating back to 1913. His tenure lasted until October 31, 1995. During these years, he oversaw spiritual growth, liturgical refinement, and the beautification of the sanctuary, including the installation of sacred icons such as the Pantocrator and Platytera. He was known for his reverent worship, educational outreach, and deep pastoral care.
After leaving Wheeling, Fr. Stephen served at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in New Kensington, Pennsylvania until his retirement in 2019. He continued assisting at Pittsburgh-area parishes until his passing on March 16, 2025, at age 91. He was laid to rest at Union Cemetery in Steubenville, Ohio. His legacy in Wheeling remains a treasured part of the city’s Orthodox heritage.
To learn more: History of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church – Ohio County Public Library (https://tinyurl.com/949dkfcy), Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home tribute (https://tinyurl.com/yeyu6m9y), Legacy.com obituary (https://tinyurl.com/y3t8y238)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Google Maps
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