It is with much sadness that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco informs you of the repose of God’s servant, the Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Karambis.  Fr. Gabriel fell asleep in the Lord at his home in Chicago, Illinois early in the morning on Sunday, July 19, 2015.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he was the only child of Tom and Sophia Karambis, of blessed memory.  Nurtured in the Church by his beloved parents, Fr. Gabriel was guided by his spiritual father, His Grace Bishop Timotheos of Rodostolou, presiding hierarch of the Diocese of Chicago. Childhood friends of Fr. Gabriel spoke that he desired to be a priest from a young age. Following his graduation from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1975, Fr. Gabriel continued his studies at the University of Thessaloniki Theological School where he received a “License of Theology”.

Fr. Gabriel was a dedicated soldier of our Lord and His Church.  Reminiscing about his schoolmate and good friend, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos spoke of Fr. Gabriel’s administrative abilities and attentiveness to detail: “Fr. Gabriel was very effective in his ministry to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese on every level. Whether it was in his service as a parish priest or as the Archdiocese Director of Stewardship Ministries, Fr. Gabriel always sought to elevate our Church’s awareness to minister in faith and love. I pray for his eternal rest in God’s heavenly Kingdom.”

The positions in which Fr. Gabriel served were: assistant priest at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL; Proistamenos of the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church where he moved the parish from East St. Louis, IL. to Swansea, IL. and oversaw the construction of the new church and complex; he served the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Oak Lawn, IL.; then became the Director of Stewardship Ministries of the Archdiocese. Prior to his retirement, he served as Dean of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston, Texas. During his retirement, Fr. Gabriel accepted the request of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos to serve as the interim proistamenos of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, CA following the repose of the Rev. Fr. John Asimacopoulos.  

An Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, Fr. Gabriel was a generous and kind priest who dedicated his entire life to the Church. The support he offered to countless priests and their families is known by the generosity and guidance he offered them. The faithful stewards who served at his side recognized his determination and enthusiasm to establish ecclesiastical order and decorum.  

In the past 18 months, Fr. Gabriel's health had become a serious concern.  He had endured two open heart surgeries but seemed to be on the road to recovery.  

Fr. Gabriel did not have a large family.  He considered his family to be his schoolmates and fellow priests. He was very close to his cousin, Bob and Faye Peponis of Chicago, IL., along with childhood friends from the Chicago area.

The funeral service will be held at the St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, July 23, 2015.  His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will officiate and be assisted by His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of Mexico, His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, and His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos.  Priests from around the Archdiocese will be attending to express their love and prayers that our Lord may grant Fr. Gabriel eternal rest in the Kingdom of Heaven where there is “no pain, no sorrow and no grieving.”  

The clergy and faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco extend their prayers and love to all who mourn the passing of Fr. Gabriel, praying for his peaceful repose in the loving embrace of Jesus Christ.

May his memory be eternal!