It is with tremendous sadness, but with hope in the resurrection, that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the falling asleep of Dr. George S. Bebis, a world-renowned Professor of Patristic Theology and Professor Emeritus of Patristics at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts.
George Bebis was born on the island of Crete in Rethymnon on November 28, 1926. Though starting from poor and humble roots in Crete and later in Piraeus, Greece, and enduring the Nazi occupation of Greece during World War II, he would come to America at a young age and distinguish himself through his studies and academic acumen. He received his Bachelor of the Arts and Bachelor of Divinity degrees from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1954 and 1957, respectively. He continued his education at Harvard University, graduating with a Master of Sacred Theology. He would further his education at the University of Athens, earning a Doctorate of Theology in the field of Patristics in 1964. Dr. Bebis' academic work has focused on the Greek Fathers of the early and Byzantine periods of the Church. He also spent time studying at the Ecumenical Center in Bossey, Switzerland. Dr. Bebis was bestowed an esteemed distinction by receiving an honorary doctorate at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Theology in Athens, Greece in 2006.
Dr. Bebis’ stellar teaching career began at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1962 and would span more than four decades. He would go on to teach hundreds of students over generations. Dr. Bebis was a prolific author, speaker, and professor. During his fruitful tenure he authored several books including The Mind of the Fathers, published numerous scholarly articles, and frequently presented at academic conferences. He had frequent scholarly engagement with the academic world as a member of many academic associations and societies. Although he officially retired from teaching full-time in 2002, he continued serving Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology by offering Patristics courses until 2015, often donating his time for the benefit of the students. Dr. Bebis was also called upon to serve the Church in representative capacities, notably, as a member of the Roman Catholic-Orthodox Theological Consultations and as a member of the Anglican-Orthodox Theological Consultations.
Dr. Bebis is predeceased by his parents, Olga Fragakis Bebis and Spyridon Bebis, his twin brother, The Very Reverend Archimandrite Constantine S. Bebis, as well as his sister, Stella Dalley of Australia. He is survived by his beloved nephews and nieces, Stephen Bebis and his wife, Michele, George C. Bebis and his wife, Constance Lee, Father Paul Bebis and his wife, Presbytera Theresa, Constance Olga Bebis, Kelvin Dalley and many great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.
The wake will be held on Monday, July 25, 2022 from 10:00am-11:00am at St. George Greek Orthodox Church located at 186 Cross Road, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Immediately thereafter, the funeral service will commence and will be presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. This is a great honor for Dr. Bebis’ theological dedication and devotion to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 79411, Dartmouth, Massachusetts, 02747. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
May his memory be eternal!