Members who have Fallen Asleep

Fr. Constantine Theodore

Father Theodore has the particular distinction of being the first Greek-American man ordained as a Priest from the first graduating class in Pomfret, Connecticut in 1942. Father was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 7, 1913, of the late Evangeline Demeter and George Theodore. He married Athena Scaltsas of Boston. They have two sons and two grandchildren.

He was greatly influenced by Patriarch Athenagoras (then the Archbishop of North and South America), to attend the "new" Theological seminary in Pomfret, Connecticut. Strengthened by the sponsorship of the Cathedral of the Annunciation, Boston, Father Theodore devoted five years, under the paternal tutelage of Bishop Athenagoras Cavadas, Dean of the School in preparation for his future Priestly duties.

On May 21, 1942, Father Constantine was ordained a Deacon in Cambridge, Mass., and was ordained as a Priest on June 7, 1942 in Springfield, Mass. Father Theodore's ordination represented the First actual occasion that an American born Hellene was elevated to the ranks of the Priesthood in the United States. The ceremonies marked a milestone in the history of Greek-Americans.

On June 13, 1942, a newly ordained Priest, Father Constantine was assigned to Saint Spyridon's Church in Newport, Rhode Island, where he served faithfully for 17 years. In Newport (1942), Father was appointed the first civilian acting Chaplain for Orthodox men and women at the U.S. Naval Base and ships afloat of Destroyer Force Atlantic Fleet. Associated with this, is the fact that Father Theodore won the fight to have identification as "Eastern Orthodox" in religion placed on the identification tags of Army and Navy men. Thus, recognizing properly this great Faith Group, among our Armed Services. This recognition by the armed services was the source of the act which passed at the Rhode Island General Assembly, and signed into law by Governor Roberts-the act which gave the Greek Orthodox Church full civil recognition in the state of Rhode Island. Father Theodore played a prominent role in securing its adoption. He was active in the Greek War Relief and spearheaded the movement to reconstruct the Saint Spyridon's Church, whose physical structure appears the same today.

At the conclusion of his ministry at Newport, Father Theodore was honored with ceremonies at City Hall. The Newport City Council broke precedent by extending a Resolution of Gratitude-the FIRST local clergyman to receive this honor-in the history of this old city. The ceremonies were broadcast live by the local radio station WADK.

Significant also is the fact that in its Editorial Page on September 12, 1959, the Newport Daily News wrote the following:

"The community as a whole joins with parishioners of Saint Spyridon' Greek Orthodox Church in regretting the departure of the Reverend Constantine Theodore, pastor for 17 years. But all can rejoice in the honor he has received in an appointment to a larger pastorate on Long Island, encompassing several communities.

Second-ranking Newport clergyman in point of seniority, Father Theodore has made an unusual imprint on our city. On one hand, he has upheld and delineated the traditions and the rich vigor of the Greek Orthodox worship, strengthening his parish to a position of spiritual and temporal prosperity.

But equally important are the outward-looking steps he has taken to encourage the "Greek community" to become an active component of Newport life as a whole. Citizens of Greek extraction, spurred by his example, have more and more taken in Newport as their true home."

In September 1959, Archbishop lakovos, upon assuming his duties as Archbishop of North and South America, assigned Father Theodore to a young Parish, Saint John the Baptist in Blue Point, Long Island, New York: A parish which served the needs of Orthodox Christians scattered throughout Suffolk County, New York.

Great progress was made toward improving the internal structure of the fledgling community. A cultural center was built as the initial phase of an overall plan that now includes a Byzantine Church on approximately 10 acres of land in Blue Point, Long Island.

After 19 years at Saint John's, Father retired in May of 1978 (Parkinson's Disease) leaving behind a rich legacy of achievement and devoted followers.

In 1992, Archbishop lakovos conferred upon Father Theodore the Cross of Saint Andrew of the Holy See of Constantinople for Father's 50 years of service to the Holy Orthodox Church, to the Archdiocese of North and South America and to his beloved parishioners.

Father Constantine Theodore fell asleep in the Lord on May 12th 2004

His enthusiasm and sincerity, his undeviating conscientiousness, high sense of his calling and refreshing humility make him one of the most respected members of the orthodox clergy.

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