The Rev. Nicholas J. Magoulias dies at 79

The Rev. Nicholas J. Magoulias, former dean of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul in Hempstead, died June 6 in his Garden City home after a long illness. He was 79.

Magoulias, a native of Cincinnati, was ordained in 1960 and served for 46 years. He "had the distinct honor of being the only Greek Orthodox priest serving the Archdiocese to have . . . served in the same parish for his entire ministry," said his wife, Marilyn C. Magoulias.

Magoulias was responsible for decorating the interior of the Cathedral of Saint Paul with mosaics, hand-painted icons and stained-glass windows. Marilyn Magoulias said she has lost count of his many honors and distinctions.

"He was honored by local, state and national leaders," she said. "He received numerous citations and proclamations in recognition of his work."

Nicholas Magoulias retired in 2006.

After retirement, he still went to various churches to help out with anything they needed, his wife said.

"He was highly respected in the community," Marilyn Magoulias said. "He was loved by everybody."

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More than a thousand people, including 40 area priests, participated in Magoulias' funeral service held June 10 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul. He was buried at the Greenfield Cemetery in Hempstead.

Other survivors include a son, Jonathan Peter Magoulias; a daughter, Carolyn Contas Magoulias; a brother, Harry J. Magoulias; and a sister, Bertha Magoulias.