Protopresbyter Efstratios Dissos, the revered head priest of the historic Holy Archangels pilgrimage site, was found dead late Monday afternoon, floating in the sea near Pedi in northeastern Lesvos.
Known affectionately across Greece as "Papa Stratis," Dissos had served the Mantamados shrine continuously since June 7, 1970, becoming a defining figure of the island's spiritual and community life. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Born in Mithymna on 8 November 1938, Dissos was ordained as a deacon and priest in 1966, beginning his ministry in the nearby village of Pelopi before transferring to the Holy Archangels church, where he led major renovations and a wave of philanthropic projects that transformed the local community.
His legacy includes founding a boarding school for high-achieving students, writing books preserving local traditions, and establishing the "Shelter of Love," which provides free daily meals to the region's elderly. He also oversaw the construction of a large nursing home and led environmental restoration work on the river running alongside the shrine.
In recognition of his decades of service, the late Metropolitan Iakovos of Mithymna elevated him to Protopresbyter in 1978, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew later honoured him with the Cross of the Great Church of Christ during visits to the region.
Dissos is survived by three children: Eleni; Panagiotis, Deputy Mayor of West Lesvos; and Michael-Anthimos, Vice Regional Governor of the North Aegean.