To the Faithful of the St. Nicholas Community, Christ is Risen With faith in the uncreated Light that shines forth from the Life-Giving Tomb of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ, and in the certain hope of the Resurrection, I write to inform you of the falling asleep in the Lord of Marika Vafiadis, the beloved mother of our own Archon and devoted parishioner, Dr. Dean Vafiadis. Marika reposed peacefully in the Lord on May 6, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on August 3, 1932, in the village of Vessa on the island of Chios, Greece, she immigrated to North America after meeting her husband, Nick Vafiadis. Together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work - first in Montreal, Canada, and later in Bayside, Queens, New York. Marika was a woman of radiant faith, humble strength, and deep love. A longtime friend of the Church, she offered her talents as a dressmaker and countless acts of service to St. Nicholas in Flushing and St.