Deaths Summary

The Rev. Nicholas C. Trivelas, who served as presiding priest of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity in Charleston for 45 years until his retirement in 1993, died Saturday. He was 87.

Trivelas, a choir director and teacher of Byzantine music, served as principal of Charleston's Greek School and taught modern and New Testament Greek at The Citadel where he also was a campus minister. He performed at hundreds of weddings and baptisms.

Trivelas remained active as priest emeritus after his retirement from Holy Trinity.

Trivelas was born in Altoona, Penn., on Feb. 19, 1921, graduated from the Holy Cross Theological Seminary in 1944 and was ordained into the priesthood in February 1945. After a brief stint in Massachusetts, he came to Charleston in 1948. He was elevated to protopresbyter in 1970.

"He has left an amazing legacy of love, laughter, commitment and a beautiful community, an example of humility, a royal priesthood and spirituality that will resonate for generations to come," said the Rev. John L. Johns, presiding priest at Holy Trinity.

Trivelas is survived by his wife, Despina Ross Trivelas; children Chris, Faye, Calliope and Nick; and five grandchildren.

Wake and visitation is scheduled at the church from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday; Trisagion prayers will be offered at 7 p.m. The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, to follow services at 8 and 9 a.m.