Metropolitan Dimitrios of Xanthos

His Eminence Metropolitan Dimitrios of Xanthos (James George Couchell), 88, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Born February 17, 1938, in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late James John Couchell and Virginia Trakas Couchell.

His Eminence graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1958, then attended Northwestern University for one year before transferring and graduating from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1963. After continuing studies at Yale Divinity School in New Haven, CT, he became a part of the Archdiocese staff under Archbishop Iakovos. He left behind many blessed and great ministries as the founder of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), founding editor of The Orthodox Observer, founding director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), and founding director of St. Photios National Shrine. His Eminence has been a resident of St. Augustine for the past 40+ years.

His Eminence is survived by his son, David Mesfin and his wife Maki; and grandchildren, Ezra and Amra residing in Long Beach, CA, a sister, Fanya Couchell Paouris of Greenville SC, and brother, Jon Couchell and his wife, Kiki, of Spartanburg SC, and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Trisagion prayer service will be Wednesday, February 25 from 5-8pm at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Waldo Street, St. Augustine FL, 32084. The funeral will be Thursday, February 26 at 10:30am, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniades) of America, and interment to follow at OCMC, 220 Mason Manatee Way, St. Augustine, FL. 32086.

Pallbearers are Ezra Mesfin, Anastasios (Tom) Papademetriou, Chris Couchell, Peter Couchell, Anderson Garcia, Emmanuel Paouris, and John N. Couchell.

The family is grateful for the many friends of the St. Augustine community and especially the dedication care from his most loyal friend and caregiver, Darius Sedaghati and his long-time companions, Mojo and Jomo.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, 41 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL. 32084 or to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Waldo Street, St. Augustine, Fl. 32084.

Craig Funeral Home in St. Augustine, FL is serving the family.

Courtesy of the J. F. Floyd Mortuary, Spartanburg, SC