Memorial Service of John S. Manos Commemorating “Sandy Hook school victims” by his Family at the St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia on Sunday January 20, 2013
By: Stavroula Kotrotsios
Sunday, January 20, 2013 marked the three year Memorial Service of our dear friend and community serviceman John S. Manos.
The Manos family, including John’s wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Manos, and two daughters, Pauline and Evangela Manos, and their families, hosted the Memorial Service that Sunday at the St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA. The Memorial Service was held in support of the Sandy Hook School victims who suffered from the attacks in Newtown, Connecticut. The infamous “Sandy Hook” was an event that shook the nation, if not the world, and the names of the victims were read out to the congregation and proceeds were collected for the families struck by the tragedy.
This support for such a noble cause is not uncommon of the Manos family, who are dedicated to public service and the betterment of their community. Both Evangelia and Pauline are attorneys who carry on their father’s legacy right here in Philadelphia; Evangelia serves as an Assistant District Attorney at the Philadelphia Office of the District Attorney, and Pauline currently serves as Deputy Solicitor for the City of Philadelphia Law Department. Both of these women are leaders in their fields and their communities.
After the Liturgy and the Memorial service, led by Father Constantine Christo, the Manos family held a Luncheon and coffee hour for the entire congregation including their guests. The Luncheon was served by the Philoptochos Society of Saint George and under the leadership of Ms. Pappas. Friends and family came together to commemorate their beloved friend and remember the impact he had on his community.
The Manos family is originally from the Laconia Region of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. Mr. Manos’ family settled in Camden when they arrived in America. Upon graduation from Camden High School, Manos served in the Army during World War II, fighting in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. After his military service, he went on to receive his B.A from the College of William and Mary and later attended the University of Pennsylvania Law School where he received his J.D.
John S. Manos became a prominent Philadelphia lawyer who was very much involved with community affairs, he served as Founder and past President of the Federation of the Hellenic American Societies and the Hellenic American Lawyers Association. Mr. Manos practiced law for more than 55 years and throughout his career, helped many Greek immigrants receive legal status and citizenship and develop successful businesses. John S. Manos was a lifelong member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral and he also served as counsel for Cathedral for 40 years.
Mr. Manos was a president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and a professor of Immigration Law at the Temple University Beasley School of Law. He was a member of the board for the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
May his contributions to his family and society never be forgotten. He is missed by all who knew him. May his memory be eternal.
Photo 1: The late John S. Manos
Photo 2: Evaggelia Manos & Stavroula Kotrotsios
Photo 3: Friends of the Manos Family, L-R: Dr. Ahtaridis, Mr. Kotrotsios, Dr. Monos, Mr. Kastanis
