Fr. Polycarp Daniel C. Rameas

The Very Reverend Archimandrite Polycarp (Daniel) Rameas passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, surrounded by his family.  Father was the son of the late Charles Rameas, and the late Bessie Rameas Favo.  He is survived by his sisters, Hope Georgilas (Bill), Elaine Spiridonakos (the late George), Joy Lang (the late Mark), beloved nephews and nieces, George Spiridonakos (Susan), Mark Lang (Jennifer), David Lang (Jill), Naki Angelou (Chris), Barbara Chilton (Mike), Tina Gilcher (Chris), great nephews and nieces, Michael, Sophia, Jack, Avery, Sydney, Delaney, Jacob, Jenna, Bria, Lina, and Konstantine, and beloved aunt and uncle, Anna and Spyros Rozos in Ikaria, Greece; loving cousins, Pete Rameas, Bill Chrissis, Patty Vasilatos, Diane Norcross RN, Chuck Chrissis, and many beloved extended family members, friends, and parishioners near and far.  Father touched many people all over the world.

Upon his graduation from High School, Father's life-long commitment to serve the Church was made, and he attended the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as the University of Athens, Greece, successfully training to become a Greek Orthodox Priest.  Father has also earned degrees from Duquesne University of Pittsburgh and Christ the Savior Orthodox Seminary, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, rounding out his education background.

Below is a history of Father’s years of service to our Lord:

Ordinations and offikia:

Heirothesia to the Sub-diaconate at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Pittsburgh, PA, on December 26, 1965

Tonsured a monk at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, Pittsburgh, PA, on January 2, 1966 (for the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Uniontown, PA)

Ordained to the Diaconate at the Chapel of the Diocese on August 22, 1968 (ordained by Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos)

Ordained to the Presbyterate at Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, Erie, PA, on August 25, 1968 (ordained by Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos) with the Reverend Theofanis Nacopoulos, presiding as priest

Elevated to “Pnevmatikos” (Spiritual Father) at Holy Trinity / St. John the Theologian, Jackson, MS, on September 30, 1973

Elevated to Archimandrite at Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, Oakmont, PA, on June 19, 1983

Parishes served:

St. Basil Church in Watertown, NY, beginning September 1, 1968

St. John the Theologian Church in Wheeling, WV, beginning September 1, 1970

Served in Oinousse, Chios, Greece, in 1970

Holy Trinity / St. John the Theologian Church in Jackson, MS, beginning October 1, 1971

Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Oakmont, PA, beginning October 1, 1975

Other notes:

While in Watertown, NY, he also worked as an interpreter at the custom offices between the USA and Canada.

Served as Past President of the Orthodox Clergy Association of Greater Pittsburgh.

The following is a personal reflection from a seminarian classmate, Father Eugene Pappas:

“Danny was his name when first we met. The vocational journey would eventually be realized in the fall of 1965, when he and others were tonsured into monastic orders at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh, PA, by Bishop Theodosios.  He would take, among others, residence in the Holy Transfiguration Monastery of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.  His given religious name was to be Polycarpos (he who bears the many fruits of the Holy Spirit).  The new Abbot was Father Anthony, the priest, assisted by Father Eugene, the deacon, with three others, Father Sabbas, Father Constantine, and a visitor.  Monk Polycarpos’ duties, among other chores, was to bake the prosphora, artoklasies, and other breads used for holy days.  Never was he happier, nor more accomplished, than when in the monastery kitchen tending to the ovens.  The fragrance of the baking breads equaled the fragrance of his gentle spirit, most holy.  Father Polycarpos’ prayer life was stellar and a prime example to those in the monastic brotherhood.  If we sinned, it was because we envied by love his perseverance and fortitude in prayer life.  He was an example of extreme humility (akra-tapinosis).”

The Viewing will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 12 Washington Avenue, Oakmont, PA  15139, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with Trisagion Service at 7:00 p.m.  On Saturday, June 10, 2023, services will begin with Orthros at 8:00 a.m. followed by Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.  Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. with the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m.  Interment immediately following at Homewood Cemetery, 1599 South Dallas Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA  15217.  Arrangements by English Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. Family and friends are invited to return to the Church for the Memorial Luncheon.

ALL SERVICES FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WILL BE LIVE STREAMED VIA:  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dormition+of+the+theotokos+oakmont

In lieu of flowers, donations in Father’s memory may be made to the Dormition of the Theotokos Sacristy and Chapel Expansion Fund, which was Father Polycarp’s last project to complete the ‘cross footprint’ of the Church.

It has been said that, as a young boy, when he couldn’t be found – he was at church.

Matt 25:23. His Lord said unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:  Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

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