Barbara Estelle Pappas, nee Lotus, of Oak Brook formerly of Wheaton, age 82. Beloved wife of George; loving mother of Dheanna (Dr. George) Fikaris, Michele (John) Glavanovits and Laina (Michael) Krabbe; proud grandmother of Maria (Quinn), Justin, Michael (Clare), Jeremy, Joshua, Faith and Austin; great-grandmother of Gigi; dear sister of Thomas (Nancy), Cathy (Peter), the late Peter (Jean) and the late Joyce (Tom); fond aunt and Godmother to many.

"Barbara Pappas has a Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, with a concentration in early Church Fathers. She also holds a Master of Arts in Applied Orthodox Theology from the University of Balamand, in association with the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology & the Antiochian House of Studies in North America. She is the author of three books: 1. • Are You Saved?: the Orthodox Christian Process of Salvation, ◦ Now in its sixth edition & 10 languages, with two more in process. 2.• First & Second Corinthians: a study of Paul's Letters. ◦ A verse-by-verse commentary based on writings of St. John

Chrysostom & other Fathers of the Church. Includes "Food For Thought" questions & comments. 3. God's Bubbly, Gurgly, Overwhelming, Overflowing Love. ◦ A look at salvation through Christ for children of all ages. Includes a section on "Questions from Kids," with help for those who answer them."

Barbara's love of the Church and her family were the passion and focus of her life. She was a Teacher to those who taught; involved at both Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, in addition to programs and planning committees associated with the Diocese of Chicago.

Barbara was also involved in Prison Ministry, bringing Christ's message of Salvation to those who have lost hope or never knew of Christ's message. She led Bible Study on Wednesday evenings for many, many years, with her dutiful husband George by her side. Barbara was on Staff at our beloved Fanari Camp at Conference Point -William's Bay for 15 years, leading Bible Study and heading up Arts and Crafts.

Barbara Pappas organized the very first Celebration of Books, which began at Holy Apostles in 1984. Parishioners and those searching for the Truth came to hear speakers, immersing themselves in a sea of books about Orthodoxy; Barbara at the center, as a resource, tirelessly answering questions.

HARC, the Holy Apostles Resource Center also began at this time, with Barbara Pappas as Director, with the Blessings of the Archdiocese and Father William Chiganos. Assisting her was a loving and dedicated group of volunteers.

Barbara's Book "Are You Saved? The Orthodox Christian Process of Salvation' was translated into many languages, to include Korean, French, Greek, Serbian, Russian, Arabic and Spanish.

She lived her life serving God and teaching others. Well done good and faithful servant.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All to meet Wednesday at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 2501 S. Wolf Rd., Westchester for a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Service. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Chris J. Balodimas, Funeral Director. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.