Father Stephen Peter Theophilos passed away peacefully in his home on December 23rd which was his 84th birthday. Father Steve was born in Montreal, Canada to his loving parents Panayioti and Panayiota Theophilos, from the village of Longaniko, Greece near Sparta. He was the youngest of four brothers, Father Theo Theophilos, Apostolos Theophilos and Christos Theophilos. He was the devoted husband to Presvytera Betty Theophilos, adoring father to Panayota (George) Kevgas, and devoted Pappou to Marianna, Markella and John Kevgas. He met Presvytera Betty in 1972 at a Hellenic University function in Philadelphia and it was love at first sight. They were married November 19, 1972.
Father Steve was a graduate of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School in Brookline, Massachusetts where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. Father Steve continued his education at Holy Cross and Boston University receiving his Bachelor of Divinity as well as his Masters of Sacred Theology degrees. In the early sixties, he attended the University of Athens where he received his Doctoral degree in Theology. He would eventually return to Boston University where he received his Master of Science degree in Communication and Public Relations.
In his early years, Father Steve spent a great deal of time working for the Archdiocese serving as a special Diocesan assistant as well as the National Director of Religious Education. He also served as the Executive Secretary for the Archdiocese, followed by a position as the managing editor of the Greek Orthodox Theological Review. In the late part of the sixties, Father Steve served concurrently as the Executive Vice President, Director of Admissions and Director of Public Affairs at Hellenic College. While Father Steve spent many of his early years working for the Archdiocese before he was ordained, he served as Protopresbyter at St. Luke from 1993-2000. He and Presbytera Betty moved to Virginia in 2000 serving at the Fredericksburg, Virginia parish. Four years later, Father Steve semi-retired and continued to perform Sunday liturgies at various parishes in Virginia. In 2005, Father Steve and Presbytera Betty moved back to the area when they became grandparents.
There was nothing more important to Father Steve than his family. He was always there for his nieces, nephews, godchildren, but especially his own daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. Father Steve was a very devoted father and papou. His family was the center of his world. The world will not be the same with him.
Viewing: 9 -11 am Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 35 North Malin Road, Broomall, PA
Funeral: 11 am Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 35 North Malin Road, Broomall, PA
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts or to the Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund in Broomall, PA.