Clergy (Past)

Fr. John Govostes, 78, who was the Priest of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Ipswich, passed away Thursday evening December 24, 2020, in the Lahey Hospital in Burlington due to the COVID-19 virus. He shared 51 loving years of marriage with his wife Presbytera Kathy Govostes and was the proud father of both Christina and Dr. John Govostes. Father John was born in Lowell on September 26, 1942, and was the son of the late Speleos and Jenney (Ganetos) Govostes from Greece. Father John is survived by Presbytera Kathy; their son Dr. John Govostes, his fiancée Kristen Carosa; and his sister Helen Diavitis.

Father John was raised and educated in Lowell, Mass., and attended the Hellenic Seminary in Brookline. He graduated in 1968. While at the seminary, Father John served as the choir and youth director of the Greek school of the Greek Orthodox Church in Somerville. He and his wife were married on January 26, 1969, and immediately following this, Father John was ordained in April, 1969, at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Ipswich. He dedicated his life to build and develop the Greek Orthodox Youth Organization (G.O.Y.A.). Under his guidance and leadership, the youth group took many educational trips. Father John also organized the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Christmas activities and many other holiday traditions.

Father John had an amazing work ethic to all who knew him and his love and dedication to Christ and the church served as a testament to his devout faith. He spent his life giving spiritual guidance and counseling to his parishioners at any hour and was there for them during times of joy and tragedy. On May 11, 2019, Father John, his family and his many friends of the Ipswich Greek Community and other Greek communities came together at the Hellenic Community Center in Ipswich to celebrate Father John's 50th anniversary of serving as the Priest of the Greek Orthodox Church in Ipswich.

Aside from his work, Father John greatly enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends as well as renovating his home and surrounding landscaping. He greatly enjoyed classical music and live concerts as well as antique shopping with his wife.

Father John will fondly be remembered as a devoted and faithful Priest, loving husband, father, friend and spiritual leader to both the Greek community and town of Ipswich. His smile and laughter will greatly be missed.

His spiritual guidance will never be forgotten and the depth of his love, kindness and compassion will be his lasting legacy.

May his memory be eternal.