Dr. Theodore Bogdanos, Archon Hartoularios
October 13, 1932 - May 6, 2019
It is with sadness but with hope in the Resurrection that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco conveys news on the passing of Dr. Theodore Bogdanos, Archon Hartoularios, who fell asleep in the Lord on May 6, 2019 at the age of 86.
“Dr. Bogdanos was a wealth of knowledge and an inspiration in his work as a professor of English and European Literature. He was also a respected composer and arranger of Byzantine music, and a gifted chanter. His volumes of music can be heard throughout the west coast, and across our Archdiocese. The gift of music he gave to the Greek Orthodox Church will be a lasting legacy of his God-given talents and how he used them with such passion and love for his faith and heritage,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “Ted was an elder statesman of the Church, and his legacy will live on through his beautiful music and his family who I know are deeply mourning his passing.”
Dr. Bogdanos is survived by his loving wife, Herta Helene, with whom he shared 60 years of a loving marriage. He is also survived by his son Hans and his wife Valerie, and daughter Elizabeth and her husband Curt. Also grieving his passing are his three grandchildren, brother John and his wife Despina, and many other extended family members, as well as his church music family. Dr. Bogdanos is now rejoicing in heaven with the Lord, and is reunited with his daughter Toula, who reposed in the Lord in 2002.
The services for the repose of the soul of Dr. Theodore Bogdanos will be held at the Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602. The Trisagion will be on Thursday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m., and the funeral will be prayed on Friday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m.
May his memory be eternal!
Obituary for Dr. Theodore Bogdanos
Theodore Bogdanos was born in Canton, Ohio on October 13, 1932, grew up in Greece, and returned to America after World War II. He received his Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley and taught at San Jose State University for 26 years as Professor of English and European Literature of the Middle Ages. He was devoted to God, the church and his family. He loved literature, classic and Byzantine music, international travel and was constantly deepening his understanding of the meaning of life. He also had a great sense of humor and storytelling ability, captivating us all with his charismatic personality.
Theodore passed away on May 6, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Herta Helene, his son, Hans Bogdanos (Valerie) of San Leandro, CA, his daughter, Elisabeth Charles (Curt) of Kentfield, CA, his grandchildren, Alexa Charles, Nathan Charles and Theodore Bogdanos, his brother John Bogdanos (Despina) of Hayward, as well as, many other extended family members. He is predeceased by his eldest daughter, Toula. Dr. Bogdanos has been a cantor and choir director and has written choral music for the Divine Liturgy and various special services for the Greek Orthodox Church. In recognition of his scholarly and musical contribution, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has made him an Archon of the Great Church.
A Trisagion will be held at the Ascension Cathedral in Oakland at 4700 Lincoln Ave on Thursday, May 9th at 7pm. Funeral services will be held at Ascension Cathedral on Friday, May 10th at 10:30am. Donations in memory of Theodore Bogdanos can be made to the Ascension Cathedral, Denver Greek Orthodox Choir Federation or National MS Society.