We are extremely saddened to report the passing of our much loved patron Fr Simon Peter Nellist on 29th May 2023 after a short battle with cancer. Fr Simon was an Orthodox priest and co-founder and co-leader of our member organisation Pan-Orthodox Concern for Animals, along with his wife Dr Christina Nellist. A wonderful advocate for peace, Fr Simon gave so much to achieve a world where all animals are cherished and can flourish. His was a life well lived. We will miss him so much.
Fr Nellist had been Archpriest of the Orthodox diocese of Tanzania prior to his retirement. His Mission Centre was based in Kidamali, a small village on the Iringa plateau some 500 kms south west of Dar-es-Salaam and 40 kms from Iringa. The mission served 30+ villages in the area and was primarily child focused, providing a feeding programme, health care, education and clean water. Malnutrition is now rare in the mission area but the feeding programme still allows access to check the children’s general health and welfare.
Fr Simon also occasionally served in Cyprus and was attached to the Archdiocese in England, serving in Welling and Maidstone in recent times. He had been a professional accountant in many countries before entering the priesthood and was Treasurer of Pan Orthodox Concern for Animals.
He was actively involved in his local RSPCA, was their Treasurer for many years, and assisted with helping to rehabilitate the cruelty cases that came into the local branch.
Fr Simon leaves behind his wife Dr Christina Nellist, two sons, Mark and Dean, and two grandchildren, Alexander and Amelia. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We have lost a great patron and we shall always be so grateful for the wonderful support he gave us.
Animal Interfaith Alliance 