Fr. John S. Manuel

"There are places I remember, all my life...." This was the ringtone of our beloved Reverend Father John S. Manuel, 64, who passed away on July 24, 2026. Though we will no longer hear this ringtone regularly, we reminisce on the memories that we have of our beloved Padre Juan (as he was affectionately called), especially when we hear the lyrics from his favorite band: The Beatles.

Fr. John traveled many places throughout his life, and all these places had their moments. A son of Lancaster, he was a product of the beloved Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. His mother Dimitria, and father, Steve raised him in beautiful Lancaster County. John was the youngest of 3 siblings: George and Connie. Growing up, he looked up to the spiritual giant of Fr. Alexander Veronis who was a guide and light for Fr. John in his upbringing.

Eventually, he drove his car to Millersville University and met the love of his life, his bride, Karen. And He loved her to the end of his days.

After his undergraduate studies, Fr. John felt called to pursue the priesthood and began the long and winding road towards ordination as he enrolled in Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston. Whilst pursuing His Masters, Fr. John worked eight days a week raising a family and working full time. After seminary, Fr. John earned a ticket to ride to work for the Church.

Padre Juan believed in the notion that All You Need is Love. This simple principle guided his ministry in the Church. Fr. John had an immense love for serving the youth and camp. He grew up going to Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA. He Helped! many in their faith through avenues such as GOYA, YAL, OCF, retreats, and campfires. He was selfless in nature and would travel across the universe to serve the person in front of him.

He taught all those he encountered to never Hide their love away, but instead shine their Inner Light brightly as the Lord calls us to do.

One day, while he was working like a dog, he received a call that he would be going to Richmond, Virginia to be the assistant priest to his mentor, Fr. Nicholas Bacalis. There, he faithfully served at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral until 2012.

Then the Lord called Fr. John closer to the water to serve as the presiding priest at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach. He faithfully served those under his spiritual care with joy, child-like love, and an intense love of God. He carried the weight of all his flock through his loving presence.

Towards the end of his life, as he got sick, he became a paperback writer and wrote multiple books providing valuable life lessons from his upbringing and battle with cancer.

Yesterday, he took his Golden slumbers in the Lord with his family around him singing Paraklesis, telling stories, and playing The Beatles. Fr. John was immensely loved and will continue to comfort all of us in the Heavenly Kingdom. May his memory be eternal and may his soul rest with the righteous.

Father John is survived by his loving bride, Presbytera Karen Manuel and his four children- Deanna (Nick) McNair, Fr. Thomas (Elizabeth) Manuel, Presbytera Sarah (Fr. Savvas) Mandeville, and Fr. Nicholas (Demetria) Manuel. Altogether, Fr. John is survived by 13 grandchildren: Jocelyn, Kalliope, Dionysios, John, Vasili, Marina, Eleutheria, Athanasios, Dimitrios, Sophronia, Noah, Olympia, and baby.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society or The Doorways- 612 East Marshall Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.

The visitation, viewing and the Trisagion will be held on Tuesday, July 28th, from 5:00-7:00 PM. The Divine Liturgy will be held on Wednesday, July 29th, starting at 9:00 AM with the funeral service presided by His Grace Bishop Anthony Vrame and clergy starting at 11:00 AM. The Makaria will immediately follow at the church. All services will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church,621 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 2345.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Conestoga Memorial Park, 2nd Lock Road, Lancaster PA, 17603 at 10 am.

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!