After a long and fruitful ministry, veteran missions leader, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates was ushered into the presence of his Lord on October 10, 2009. Spiros Zodhiates was born to Greek parents on the island of Cyprus. After completing his Greek education, he attended the American University in Cairo, Egypt, The National Bible Institute, and New York University. He earned his Doctor of Theology degree from Luther Rice Seminary. In addition, Dr. Zodhiates has been the recipient of several honorary doctorates.
In 1946, he came to the United States at the invitation of the American Mission to the Greeks, Inc. At that time, there were two part-time employees who met in a small, one-room office. Dr. Zodhiates became president of this organization in 1966. Now known as AMG International, the ministry is involved in evangelistic and relief endeavors in 55 countries.
Ministry headquarters have been in Chattanooga, Tennessee since 1978.
Throughout his six decades of leadership, Zodhiates demonstrated a profound commitment to the Word of God and a singular focus on accomplishing his calling faithfully. His style was marked by frugal stewardship, great enthusiasm, entrepreneurial courage and unexpected generosity.
Dr. Zodhiates is a recognized authority on the Greek New Testament. His works include an edition of the Modern Greek New Testament and the Key Word Study Bible. He authored numerous exegetical books and booklets in both the Greek and English languages, and for many years was heard daily on the New Testament Light radio program.
Dr. Zodhiates is survived by Joan Zodhiates, his wife of 61 years, his children – Priscilla (Russell) Barnes of Orange, CT, Lois (Paul) Jenks of Chattanooga, TN, Philip (Kathie) Zodhiates of Waynesboro, VA, Mary (Rich) Zodhiates Cemen of Rockville, MD. – 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Woodland Park Baptist Church, 6735 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, with Pastor John Meador and Pastor Joe Fauth officiating. Interment will follow in Morris Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Some of our faithful friends and ministry partners have asked us if there was any special project that was close to Dr. Zodhiates’ heart. There was, and it was strengthening the ministry of individual national workers in the place of service to which God had called them. So, for those wishing to honor Dr. Z, in lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial gifts designated to the “Spiros Zodhiates National Workers Endowment Fund.” You may make a secure online donation here. Please designate your donation as "Dr. Zodhiates Memorial Gift" in the checklist of the online donation form. Gifts will also be accepted at AMG International, P. O. Box 182200, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37422.
