It is with profound sadness that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of Rev. Father Vasilios Thanos on September 2, 2016. Father Vasilios served the community of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California for an unprecedented 50 years, and was loved and respected for the kindness, compassion and selflessness he demonstrated throughout his ministry.
“It was just a few months ago that we honored Father Vasilios for his 50 years of devoted service and celebrated this joyous occasion. Now, we prepare to come together once again, to honor this man who faithfully served the Lord as he enters into His Heavenly Kingdom,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “I have never known a more kind and gentle soul as Father Vasilios, and one who was fully focused on sharing the love of God as he lovingly labored in the Lord’s Holy Vineyard.”
Father Thanos was born in Tripolis, Greece, where he lived with his family in the farming community of Daphne. He entered the theological school in 1954 in Kalamata, Greece, and graduated in 1957, following which he served in the Greek Army. After he met and married Sophia Costopoulos in 1959, he was delayed in entering the United States for two years. Eventually, he joined his wife in the San Fernando Valley, where they would make their home together and raise their family.
His initial work was for the Exxon Oil Company, which provided an opportunity for Father Vasilios to learn English. He also was very active at the Saint Nicholas Church where he served as Sexton and also as a Greek language instructor. The parish was growing and the need for additional clergy brought forth the opportunity for Father Vasilios to be ordained to the Diaconate and Priesthood in 1966 by Bishop Demetrios. It was the intention that his assignment at Saint Nicholas would last for three years.
Those three years grew to 50 years of devoted service to the Saint Nicholas community during which Father Vasilios was an example of humility and love. He touched the lives of so many people who looked to him for spiritual direction, friendship, consolation and inspiration. Father Vasilios was predeceased by his beloved Presvytera Sophia on February 27, 2015. He is survived by his loving daughters Connie and Niki.
The Trisagion will be prayed on Thursday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, September 9, Divine Liturgy will be at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral at 10:00 a.m. All services will be officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Father Vasilios Thanos to the Saint Nicholas School, 9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325.
May his memory be eternal!