"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

Belmont, NC — Dr. Andrew Peter Harakas, 69, returned to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 17, 2026. He completed his earthly journey with the same courage, faith, and steadfast hope in God that marked his entire life. After a long and valiant battle with an incurable illness, he fell asleep in the Lord, trusting fully in the promise of the Resurrection.

Born on June 3, 1956, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Andrew was the son of Peter Andrew and Rebecca Theodore Harakas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Norma Ree (Porter), with whom he shared a Christ-centered marriage rooted in love, sacrifice, and prayer. Together they raised five children: Andrew Harakas and his wife, Ashley, and grandson Jaxon; Chrysanthe Hill and her husband, Josh; Alexander Harakas and his wife, Courtney; Constantine Harakas; and Christopher Harakas. He is also survived by his brother, Peter Theodore Harakas, and sister-in-law, Evangeline B. Harakas; his mother-in-law, Edna Ree Porter; his sister-in-law, Renee Porter Lassiter; his brother-in-law, Clete Lassiter; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Norman E. Porter.

Andrew's life was marked by a deep-rooted sense of calling, both to the healing profession and to the service of Christ's Church. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina in 1978 and graduated from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 1983. He completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Missouri in Kansas City in 1987, followed by a total joint fellowship at Ohio State University, where he was one of only three candidates accepted. Throughout his career, he practiced orthopedic medicine in Atlanta, Georgia; Columbus, Georgia; and Gaffney, South Carolina. He was board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the American Medical Association and several orthopedic professional societies.

Andrew's faith was the foundation of his life. In 1993, he and Norma, together with five other families, undertook the holy work of establishing a mission parish in Columbus, Georgia, within the Metropolis of Atlanta. Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church was officially founded as an Orthodox mission in 1995. What began as a small gathering of faithful believers grew by God's grace into a thriving parish community. The parish was initially served by visiting clergy. It welcomed a part-time priest in 1999, which was the same year the congregation acquired its church building. Andrew considered this ministry one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Outside of his professional life, Andrew had a deep love of learning and personal growth. He was especially passionate about the Greek language and often studied and spoke both Classical and Biblical Greek. He was a black belt in karate, which reflected his discipline and dedication. He also had a lifelong interest in history, particularly wars, historical events, and significant battles. He enjoyed weightlifting as well and valued both physical strength and perseverance. In quieter moments, he found enjoyment in assembling model airplanes, a hobby that reflected his patience and attention to detail. Above all, he loved his family deeply and found great joy in spending time with them. He faithfully supported them in the sports and activities they loved.

He often spoke of how profoundly God had blessed him through his family, his vocation, and especially through his marriage to Norma, whom he met while they were both working at ECU Medical Center. Their home was a place of prayer, love, and unwavering devotion to their Orthodox Christian faith. As Andrew's health declined, Norma became his devoted caregiver and was supported tenderly by their children. The family offers heartfelt gratitude to his home caregivers, Andrea, Autumn, Kameelah, and Maria, as well as the staff of CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Stanley Total Living Center, Carolina Caring, and Adoration Home Health for their compassionate and Christ-like care.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Charlotte. A graveside service will take place at Hollywood Cemetery in Newsoms, Virginia, on Saturday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 4612 Gilbert Avenue, Columbus, GA 31904, or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.