Mourning has gripped Mandamado and the entire island of Lesvos following news that Father Eustratios Dissos, proto-presbyter of the Holy Shrine of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, was found dead floating in the sea off the coastal area of Pedi. According to LesvosPost, despite immediate rescue efforts, he could not be revived. The news spread rapidly across the island, leaving the local community stunned and deeply shaken.
A Lifelong Servant of Faith and Community
The 88-year-old priest had devoted his entire life to the Church and to the historic shrine of the Archangels — one of Greece’s most revered pilgrimage sites. His leadership played a decisive role in its development and global recognition. He was widely admired for his extensive philanthropy, including co-founding the Mandamado nursing home alongside the shrine’s presiding priest, Father Christos, using Church resources to support the elderly.
Father Dissos had lost his wife — also a presbytera — approximately five years ago. He is survived by three children: one daughter and two sons, including Michalis Dissos, Deputy Regional Governor of North Aegean and a noted figure in Byzantine chant.
Investigation Underway
The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unknown. The Port Authority is investigating the incident, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.
A Legacy Etched in Faith and Action
Known affectionately across Greece as “Papa Stratis,” he served at the Archangels’ shrine continuously from 7 June 1970 until his passing. Born in Mithymna on 8 November 1938, he was ordained deacon in 1966 and then priest shortly thereafter, first assigned to Pelopi — a village near Mandamado. After his transfer to the shrine, he oversaw major restoration works on the church and launched numerous charitable initiatives.
Among his accomplishments were establishing a boarding school for top-performing high school students; restoring the river flowing beside the shrine; documenting the oral traditions of Mandamado; authoring books and illustrated diaries about the village; founding the ‘Stegi Agapis’ (Roof of Love), offering daily free meals to local seniors; and constructing a large-scale nursing home.
In 1978, he was awarded the title of Proto-presbyter by the late Metropolitan Iakovos of Mithymna. During two visits by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew — to Kalloni and Mandamado — he was honored with the Cross of the Great Church of Christ, recognizing his lifelong contributions to faith, culture, and social welfare.