With faith in Christ and hope in the resurrection, we share news of the repose of Archpriest Elias Ziton, an alumnus and generous supporter of the St Vladimir’s Seminary. Fr Elias fell asleep in the Lord peacefully May 17, 2024, surrounded by his family, at the age of 84. He was pastor emeritus of St George Church of Phoenix, AZ.
"Abouna was loved by everyone that knew him for his unwavering faith, his care for others, and not least his rich and beautiful voice," said The Very Rev. Christopher Salamy, pastor of St George. "It was a joy for me to learn from him, to serve alongside him and to be loved by him. He will truly be missed by our entire parish family."
The Very Rev. Elias Ziton was born on April 19, 1940, to the late Elias and Julia Ziton in Toledo, OH. He was ordained to the holy priesthood in 1965 at the Archdiocese Convention in Boston, MA, the last priest ordained by Metropolitan Antony Bashir who reposed in the Lord six months later.
Fr Elias faithfully pastored St George Church in Cedar Rapids, IA; St George Church in Phoenix; and St Ignatius Church, in Mesa, AZ.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kh. Lorraine, and his loving brothers Wasfey Ziton and The Very Rev. Fr. Theodore E. Ziton, who also attended St Vladimir’s Seminary (1951–1954).
Surviving Fr Elias are his children Michael (Feirouz), Deborah (Gray), and David (Nesrin); grandchildren Michael Elias Jr., Juliana Rose, Nina, Eli, Marina, and Paris Sophia; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many spiritual children.
Details regarding the funeral service and burial of Fr Elias may be found here at Antiochian.org.
May the memory of Archpriest Elias be eternal!
*Information for this article has been adapted from Antiochian.org.
