Presbytera Mary Zamantakis Hatzidakis, age 94, passed away on July 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy tied to the historic Greek Orthodox community in Carbon County. Born on November 21, 1931, in Sunnyside, Utah, Hatzidakis was a member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, a landmark parish founded by immigrants in the early 20th century.
Funeral and Burial Details
Funeral arrangements have been finalized for the deceased, according to Mitchell Funeral Home. A Trisagion service is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Funeral Home, located at 233 East Main in Price. During the Sunday evening and Monday morning, the family will receive friends at the funeral home, one hour prior to the main services.
The formal funeral service will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, located at 61 South 200 East in Price. Following the service, Hatzidakis will be buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Helper, Utah.
Family and Lineage
Hatzidakis was the wife of Fr. Constantinos Hatzidakis, who died on July 20, 1977. She was the daughter of Irene Kyriakakis and Steve M. Zamantakis.
Her surviving family includes five sons: Steve Hatzidakis, Jim (Roxanne) Hatzidakis, Gus (Marie) Hatzidakis, John Hatzidakis, and Mike (Joyce) Hatzidakis. She is also survived by five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her brother, Mike (Lydia) Zamantakis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and five siblings: Aggie Annis, Mark Zamantakis, Bessie Milovich, George Zamantakis, and Crystal Kogianes.
A Legacy of Faith and Mining
The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, where Hatzidakis was a member, stands as one of the oldest Orthodox parishes in the United States. The congregation was established by Greek miners and shepherds who arrived in Carbon County at the beginning of the 20th century to work in the local coal mines.
According to the church's historical records, the first Greeks in the community arrived between 1903 and 1911, including John G. Diamanti, John Malkos, and Constantine Rekoutis. These men came to Carbon County to work in the Castle Gate coal mine. During this era, young Greek men arrived in large numbers, living in sections of coal camps known as "Greek Town."
Founding of the Parish
The development of the church was marked by significant milestones and community effort. In 1912, the Greek residents of Helper agreed to the establishment of a church, provided it was located in Helper. However, after discussions with a committee including Gust G. Pappas, Stylian Staes, and Emmanuel Salevurakis, the community eventually decided to build the church in Price.
Formal meetings for the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Church of Southern Utah began on December 15, 1915. By 1916, land was purchased for $800.00, and construction bids were opened on March 7. The church was officially dedicated on August 15, 1916, the Day of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary.
Historic Significance and Growth
The Assumption Church has remained a central landmark in Price, earning recognition on the Utah Register of Historic Sites in 1972 and the National Register of Historic Sites in 1973. The church's history includes a major renovation in the 1940s after a fire caused smoke damage in the spring of 1945.
In the 1960s, the church underwent extensive improvements, including the remodeling of the recreation hall and the kitchen. A new Sunday School building was added in 1962. The parish also holds a significant place in local culture, known for its annual Greek Festival Days, which began in 1975.
The Modern Congregation
The parish continues to serve a diverse congregation that includes Orthodox Christians of Greek descent, life-long Orthodox from various ethnic backgrounds, and converts to the faith. The church serves as a landmark in Carbon County, maintaining its role in the local business, charity, and government sectors.
Preserving the Sanctuary
The church is currently engaged in a stained glass window restoration project, a long-anticipated initiative led by the Rev. Hieromonk Seraphim. The project involves cleaning, reinforcing, and preserving the historic windows to ensure the preservation of the temple's distinctive architecture.
