The spiritual community of Lesvos and all of Greece are mourning the loss of Efstratios Dissos, the iconic Protopresbyter of the Pammegiston Taxiarchon shrine in Mantamados. Papa-Stratis, as he was widely known, was found dead on the afternoon of Monday, June 29, 2026, floating in the sea area of Pedi, in northeastern Lesvos. As of now, the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy remain unknown.
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The deceased served the historic Taxiarchis shrine from June 7, 1970, leaving behind a profound legacy of social and spiritual service. Born in Mithymna in 1938, he was ordained a priest in 1966 and became synonymous with the development of Mantamados. His work included renovating the church, establishing a boarding school for honor students, building a nursing home, and operating the "Roof of Love," which provides free daily meals to the elderly in the region.
His contributions were widely recognized; he was awarded the office of Protopresbyter in 1978 and received the Cross of the Great Church of Christ from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Papa-Stratis is survived by three children, who are actively involved in the public life of Lesvos.
