Biography

02/17/1938 - 02/18/2026

His Eminence graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1963. After continuing studies at Yale Divinity School in New Haven, CT, he became a part of the Archdiocese staff under Archbishop Iakovos. He left behind many blessed and great ministries as the founder of Orthodox Christian Fellowship(OCF), founding editor of The Orthodox Observer, founding director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center(OCMC), and founding director of St. Photios National Shrine. His Eminence has been resident of St. Augustine for the past 40+ years.

His Eminence is survived by his son David Mesfin and his wife Maki and grandchildren Ezra and Amra residing in Long Beach, CA, a sister Fanya (Couchell) Paouris of Greenville SC, and brother Jon Couchell and his wife Kiki of Spartanburg SC, and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the many friends of the St. Augustine community and especially the dedication of caring from his most loyal friend and caregiver, Darius Sedaghati, and his long-time companions, Mojo and Jomo.