Christina "Bina" Kangelaris was born on June 4, 1992 in Falls Church, Virginia and tragically passed away on November 6, 2020. Christina grew up in Reston, Virginia where she invested time in both St. George Greek Orthodox Church and Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. She worked hard at school throughout her life, attending Trinity Christian School and went on to attend George Mason University where she received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business Management. This led her to pursue a career as an Analyst at Freddie Mac, where she contributed to the success of her team. She served as the captain for her high school soccer team, later coaching a soccer team of her own. Additionally, she earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in scouting.

Christina dedicated her life not only to her family and her friends, but also to her community as well as others in need. She jumped at the chance to support worthy causes, including donating blood, volunteering her time in service work, supporting local charities, and many others. At times, she would hear on the radio about a charity that asked for immediate support and before the advertisement was over, she had already signed up to become involved. Christina taught Sunday school, and sought to be an example for her students by encouraging them to open up their hearts to helping others. She often spoke to her students about a cause that was dear to her for many years, which was volunteering at the Juvenile Detention Center in Fairfax. Here, she built relationships with the youth to inspire them to repurpose and find new meaning in life. Another cherished organization was the Appalachian Mission Team, where Christina utilized her unique gift of connecting with people and making them feel extremely special. She assisted with building and renovating homes for families in need, followed by a one-on-one conversation with the family where she would listen to them and show compassion towards their situation. Most recently during the Covid-19 outbreak, Christina spent her time boxing up food packages that she would personally deliver to the homes of those affected by the virus. In her everyday life, Christina put her loved ones first. She often comforted those going through life's challenges, looked to spread positivity, and continuously performed acts of kindness.
It's hard to put on paper all of her life accomplishments over the last 28 years, but above all Christina was a shining light in this world. Her extraordinary smile and laugh would brighten up a room, joy would radiate off the walls, and love would be felt all around. She had a natural charisma to spread positive energy and compassion throughout every conversation; she gently injected a new and positive outlook into those who were not feeling good about themselves.

Christina's character and faith was the foundation of her strength and ability to see life through a different lens. She knew the love of God, and that gave her the courage, strength, and know-how to love others so graciously and generously. She had a childlike curiosity that led her to new places, which included travelling to visit friends and family all over the world. Family always came first, and she would put her parents and siblings before herself to ensure their needs were met. Everyone deserves to
experience the kind of love Christina gave so selflessly. Her memory will forever bring the "Bina" smile instead of tears of sadness, and her life is an inspiration to selflessly love and give to others. We are grateful that whenever we see a beautiful sunrise; the sun bursting through the clouds; a stunning rainbow; a beautiful flower; or a seemingly random positive coincidence, we will know Christina is up there smiling at us while gently reminding us to smile, be grateful and be kind to others.

Christina was a dear friend, amazing sister, and a true blessing of a daughter. She is survived by her loving parents Alex and Debbie, and her three siblings Andy (wife Laura), Emily (husband Caleb), and Melanie (husband Greg).
Christina was encouraged by this verse and sought to model her life by it: "Encourage One Another and Build Each Other Up" 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Funeral Service:
The Funeral Service will be private (family only) due to Covid-19 and the "raw grief" that the family is experiencing at this time.
However, the funeral service itself and other information will be posted by Sunday so that our dearest extended family and friends will feel a part of our immediate family and Christina, as the family and Christina loved them so much.

Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U_GkpQN3FD-xjDZnBDZNI8dDyi6MNRgA

Donations:
In lieu of flowers please contribute to: "Christina Kangelaris Philanthropic Fund"
Note: This fund's mission is to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and victims of disasters).

Online: https://stgphiloptochosbethesda.square.site/
or
By Check:
Check should be written to "St. George Philoptochos"
Memo Line: Christina Kangelaris Philanthropic Fund

Mail to:
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church
C/O Philoptochos
7701 Bradley Blvd
Bethesda, MD 20817

Note: If you are unable to donate funds, please consider donating your time and talents by volunteering in your local community in honor of Christina.