NEW YORK, NY –
Reverend Constantine E. Makrinos, 72, of Wheeling, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with his loving daughters, Asimina Argyro and Isidora Aspasia, by his side.
Father Constantine was born on September 19, 1953, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Aspasia Svokos of Kato Chardamila, Chios, Greece, and Ernest Makrinos of Ano Chardamila, Chios, Greece. He was raised in Martins Ferry, Ohio, where he attended Sunday School and Greek School twice a week at the Church of the Life-Giving Fountain (Zoodochos Peghe). From a young age, his parish was deeply special to him; at just nine years old, while serving as an altar boy, he felt his calling to the priesthood.
At the age of fourteen, Father Constantine moved with his parents to Greece, where he lived until the age of nineteen. He attended the American Community School in Athens and received his high school diploma in 1972. In 1973, he returned to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he worked at a bank during the day while attending the College of Staten Island at night. He completed his studies in five years, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Sociology.
In 1980, Father Constantine applied to Holy Cross Hellenic College Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts. After three years of study, he received his Master of Divinity degree in 1983, preparing him for a life devoted to the service of God and His Church.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he continued working in banking in Brooklyn until 1984. In early 1985, he answered his calling to the priesthood. Prior to his ordination as a deacon in July 1985, he visited relatives in Detroit, Michigan, where he met Sophia, whom he soon became engaged to. They were married on May 5, 1985, at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
Father Constantine was ordained to the holy priesthood on August 4, 1985, by Bishop Timothy and began his lifelong pastoral ministry alongside the late Father Kavadias at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, where he faithfully served for eleven years. While at Assumption, he also served as principal of the Greek School, reflecting his great love for the Greek language and his dedication to the spiritual and cultural education of youth. He was deeply involved in parish life, attending all church functions, including children’s basketball games, and was always present for his parishioners.
With his wife Sophia, Father Constantine created a loving family and raised two daughters, Asimina Argyro and Isidora Aspasia, who were the pride and joy of his life.
Throughout his priesthood, Father Constantine faithfully served the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for thirty-six years. Following his initial assignment, he served for two years at Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Merrillville, Indiana. He then served for two and a half years at St. Nicholas Church in Newark, Orange, and Roseland, New Jersey, where the communities were united into one parish known as Saints Nicholas, Constantine and Helen in Roseland.
He later served for eight months at St. George Church in Ocean City, Maryland, before being appointed Pastor of the Transfiguration of Christ Church in Mattituck, New York, where he served for eight years. He was subsequently assigned to St. George Church in New Britain, Connecticut, where he faithfully ministered for four years. Father Constantine retired from active parish ministry in September 2021.
After his retirement, Father Constantine returned home to the place where his journey began—Wheeling, West Virginia, and Martins Ferry, Ohio. He once again served his beloved childhood parish, Zoodochos Peghe (Church of the Life-Giving Fountain), as a chanter and priest. As he often said with joy, after fifty-four years, “the home boy comes back home.” He was deeply grateful and overjoyed to be back among his roots and his spiritual family.
Father Constantine was a devoted priest who always made time to visit the elderly and the sick in hospitals and nursing homes, offering prayers, comfort, and support to them and their families. Many families continue to express profound respect and appreciation for his love, care, and compassion. His daughters take great pride in hearing the countless heartfelt stories of the lives he touched.
Father Constantine was preceded in death by his mother, Aspasia Svokos; his father, Ernest Makrinos; and his four brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Sophia Papakonstantinou; his cherished daughters, Asimina Argyro Makrinos and Isidora Aspasia Makrinos; spiritual children, and friends who will remember him with love, gratitude, and deep respect.
Family and friends may visit and pay their respects on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Divine Liturgy will take place at 9 am. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Life-Giving Fountain (Zoodochos Peghe), 314 North Fifth Street, Martins Ferry, Ohio 43935. His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh will preside over the funeral services.
Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, 1526 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Father Constantine’s memory to the following charity: The Circle of Angels. For information on making a contribution, please contact Carol Halkias at [email protected].
Family and friends may visit www.kepnerfuneral.com to send condolences to Father Constantine’s family.
May his memory be eternal !
