Metropolitan Dimitrios of Xanthos fell asleep in the Lord on February 19, 2026.
According to the announcement: “Metropolitan Dimitrios is survived by his son Nikita David Mesfin, whom he adopted in 1985 while visiting an orphanage in Ethiopia, David’s wife Maki, and their children Ezra and Emra. The Metropolitan is also survived by his brother Archon John Couchell and his wife Kiki, and his sister Fanya Couchell Paouris.”
Upon learning of the passing of Metropolitan Dimitrios, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America officiated a Trisagion service for the repose of his soul at the Archdiocesan Chapel and said, “Our beloved Metropolitan Dimitrios served our Church in America with unwavering love, deep devotion, and heartfelt zeal. He guided our Church forward—strengthening our youth, advancing our missions, and fostering ecumenical outreach. May his memory be eternal, and may we faithfully continue along the path he so thoughtfully set before us.”
Metropolitan Dimitrios (Couchell) of Xanthos was born in on February 17,1938 and graduated 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.
