Bridge Collapse in Minnisota Touches Greek American Community

Bridge Collapse Touches Greek American Community

Obituary - Sacorafas, Christina Age 45 Of White Bear Lake Victim of the 35W Bridge Collapse. Dearly beloved daughter of Aphrodite and Nick; also survived by sister, Cynthia; aunt, Jennie Miller; uncle, D.A. (Vasilia) George; cousin, Despina (Angelo) Georggin; uncle, Nick A. George; aunt, Ellene H. (Mathew) Kritikos; cousins, Sheryl (John) Vasiliadis, Lessa D. (Bill) Dentinger, and Michelle (Scott) Berge; special friend, Greg Kalogerson; and Cody. Memorials preferred to the Christine Sacorafas Benefit Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank location. Funeral service Monday, 8/20-2007, 11AM at ST. MARY'S GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 35th and Irving Ave. S., Mpls. Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 4-8PM with Trisagion Service Sunday at 7PM at: Washburn-McReavy Davies Chapel 612-377-2203

Missing Greek American Woman's Body Recovered
Daughters of Penelope President Expresses Sorrow

 WASHINGTON (August 16, 2007) Daughters of Penelope Grand President Karen Stamatiades has issued the following statement on the news that authorities in Minneapolis have recovered the body of Christina Sacorafas, along with her vehicle, from the waters of the Mississippi this morning:

“It is with deep, heartfelt sorrow that today we learned of the recovery of Christina’s body from the Mississippi.

Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with her family and friends as their trying vigil comes to a heartbreaking conclusion.

“May they all find comfort in the wonderful memory left behind by this lovely woman who touched the lives of so many people in the community in which she served. May her memory be eternal.

Christina was one of eight confirmed missing individuals in the aftermath of the Minneapolis bridge collapse two weeks ago. She was a member of the Daughters of Penelope Antigone Chapter 35, Minneapolis, where she served on several committees.  Christina was on her way to St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church to teach a Greek folk dancing class when the bridge collapsed. 

Detroiter Victim of Bridge Collapse

Malista first heard the tragic news of Detroit native Christina Sacorafas from Daughters of Penelope Grand President Karen Stamatiades.  We also received word from Father Rick Andrews, St. George Greek Orthodox Church and his prayer is included for your review.  In addition, we have attached Ms. Sacorafas biography.  To family and friends that remain in the Detroit area, we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

One of the eight confirmed missing individuals in the aftermath of the Minneapolis bridge collapse last week is Daughters of Penelope member Christina Sacorafas.  She is a member of Antigone Chapter 35, Minneapolis, where she served on several committees.  According to the Associated Press, Sacorafas was on her way to St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church to teach a Greek folk dancing class.

 Daughters of Penelope Grand President Karen Stamatiades issued the following statement:
 “Our thoughts and prayers are with Christina and her family, and the entire Minneapolis-St. Paul community, as we pray for good news.”

Although she had only been in the Minneapolis area for two years, Christina immediately became an active member of the community with her church, the Daughters of Penelope, and other community organizations.

 “Christina’s family and friends have our unconditional support during this great time of need.  I ask all our members, and the entire community, to continue to pray for her.”

 If you would like to be of assistance to Christina’s family or friends, who have been gathering at the Crisis Center in Minneapolis, please notify Daughters of Penelope Headquarters, 202.234.9741.

Biography

Christina Lee Sacorafas, 45, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and is the eldest of two girls.  She is a second generation of Greeks that emigrated to the U.S. from Samos, Greece.  Christina moved to San Diego, California, with her family shortly after graduation from high school

There Christina was very involved in her church, singing in the choir and volunteering.  Christina moved to Minnesota in the winter of 2004.  Cody, her beloved black lab, became a part of her family in 2005.  

Christina became involved in the St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church community.  She joined the Daughters of Penelope where she serves on several committees.  She was also involved in starting up a Greek folk dance group for the children at the church.  Christina is very proud of her Greek heritage.  She is a very vibrant, loving woman.  She loves to dance and also loves to quilt and sew.  Christina made all the Greek costumes for the children, which they wear at Greek festivals.

Christina is very adventurous and always wants to try new things.  She recently joined a ballroom dance class with her new love Greg, and had just enrolled in an American Sign Language class  because she wanted to be an interpreter.  Christina is a social butterfly and will do anything you ask of her.  She affects many people with her positive attitude and her million dollar smile. 

Christina was on her way to the church and called a dear friend and co-teacher of the dance group at 5:57 pm and said she was running late and stuck in traffic on 35W.  Christina never made it to the church.  Christina is still missing at this time.  We have no new news on her status.

Christina's parents and sister live in California. Two of her first cousins live in the Twin Cities and grew up at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Please continue to pray for Christina's safe return and the salvation of her soul. Pray that God grant strength and continued hope to her family and friends who are patiently waiting, anxious for good news but looking for any news at all. Finally, also pray for all the victims, the rescue and relief workers and their families.

PRAYER AT A TIME OF A BRIDGE COLLAPSE offered by Rev. Richard Andrews St. George Greek Orthodox Church
1111 Summit Avenue
Saint Paul, MN  55105
651-222-6220
651-225-9276 fax
fatherrick@usa.com
www.stgeorgegoc.org
 
The Bridge Collapse Prayer distributed by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago to be prayed at the end of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday August 5th in all 55 churches of the Metropolis encompassing the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and NW Indiana. Many other churches throughout Archdiocese of America will join in prayer.

  Almighty Lord, Jesus Christ our God, who has brought that which is divided into unity, and has removed every barrier to bring us to the Father; who led Your people by Moses to cross the Red Sea to the Land of Promise; who consented to be baptized in the River Jordan, bestowing blessings and healing upon Your world; who graced us with Your All-holy Mother who served as Your Bridge between Heaven and Earth, as she continues to act as our constant intercessor.
 
Lord, at this hour accept the petition of those who implore Your mercy: for our sisters and brothers residing in this Holy Metropolis, who have endured the failure of an earthly bridge and have fallen in the waters; for those who have been injured by the collapse of this structure; for those who have perished suddenly in this destruction; for those who mourn and those who worry.
 
Bring Your compassion upon Your people and receive those who have perished into Your Kingdom; restore those who have been injured; comfort the wounded; give strength and reward to the rescuers and care-givers; and bring peace to the life of all those who have been touched by the tragedy.
 
For You spoke through the Prophet Jeremiah, saying: “Set up signposts, make landmarks; set your heart toward the highway” (Jer. 31:21). And through Your prophet Isaiah, “Prepare the way for the people; Build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones. Lift up a banner for the peoples! Indeed the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the world: ‘Surely your salvation is coming” (Is. 62:10-11). You Lord, are the Road leading to everlasting life, the unfailing Bridge between humanity and God, the Hope and Rest for all those who call upon Your name, and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your eternal Father, and Your all-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The family has received words of support from Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in New York, Metropolitan Iakovos and Bishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, the Greek Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Greek Consulate in Chicago.

Christina is and will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Malista!