June 5, 1938 – November 22, 2014
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7 – 8
It is with joyful sorrow the that Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of Schema Monk Athanasios, formerly known as Rev. Father Michael Rome, who reposed in the Lord at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Since 2008, he faithfully served as the Chaplain at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring in Dunlap, California.
“Father Michael was a man of great faith and truly a gentle soul. He lovingly served the Liturgical needs of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring where he had the opportunity to offer counsel to many visitors, and also imparted his deep faith in the Lord through engaging discussions following the Divine services,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “He has now earned his reward in the Lord’s heavenly kingdom and we pray for his family who are grieving his passing that their hearts may be comforted.”
He and Matushka Rachel went on a pilgrimage to Saint Anthony Monastery in early November 2014, during which he took ill. He was subsequently diagnosed with advance-stage cancer and chose to remain in Arizona near the Monastery for his final days. He was tonsured Schema Monk Athanasios on November 6, 2014, surrounded by his family and a few close friends. Father Michael was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip on February 15, 1987 at Saint Michael Orthodox Church in Van Nuys, California. On February 18, 1987, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip ordained him to the Holy Priesthood. Father Michael remained at this parish as an assistant priest. He later served the Antiochian Mission in Santa Cruz, CA; Saint Timothy Antiochian Orthodox Church in Lompoc, CA; and Saints Cyril and Methodios Church in Chico, CA. Father Michael received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1961. He is survived by his loving family: Matushka Rachel, and their five children Monk Macarios, Judah, Alysa Slikert, Julia Aloro and Elisabeth Tanguay. He was predeceased by his son Michael. He was also a beloved grandfather, relative and friend to many.
Schema Monk Athanasios will be buried at Saint Anthony Monastery on Sunday, November 23, 2014.
May his memory be eternal!