Rev. Father Theodore Tsitsilianos

Rev. Father Theodore, affectionately known as Fr. Ted, fell asleep in the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that touched countless lives.

A prayer service will be held Thursday, July 31, from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Waco, Texas, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be later that afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Holy Archangels Monastery Cemetery in Kendalia, Texas. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 30, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, with the Trisagion service to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Born in Patras, Greece, shortly after the end of World War II, Fr. Ted grew up in the Pangrati neighbourhood of Athens alongside his parents and four brothers. His early years were humble and family-centered, helping at home whenever his mother called on him.

As a young man, Fr. Ted excelled as a competitive swimmer, winning numerous competitions and even breaking national records. His athleticism led him to further distinction during his mandatory service in the Greek Navy, where he was selected to join the Greek national swimming team, continuing his string of victories.

Following his military service, Fr. Ted became a merchant marine with the Onassis fleet. He rose to the position of second mate and sailed across the globe delivering oil to major ports. During one particularly harrowing voyage, his ship was ordered to sail through a hurricane on its way to Philadelphia. The experience proved life-changing. Facing near-certain peril, he made a solemn promise to God: if he and his crew were spared, he would dedicate his life to serving the Lord in whatever way He called.

Surviving that hurricane—later confirmed to be a miracle by the engineers who inspected the ship—Fr. Ted kept his promise. He immigrated to the United States in 1973, initially studying drafting and working in the oil industry before eventually meeting the love of his life, Kathy. The couple married and eventually settled in Houston, Texas, where they became active members of the Greek Orthodox Church and sang in the choir together.

While discerning his future, a pivotal conversation with Fr. Nick Triantafilou brought back his promise to God. Feeling a divine calling, Fr. Ted enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts. During his final year of seminary, he and Kathy welcomed their beloved son, Paul.

Fr. Ted was ordained to the diaconate in 1987 and subsequently the priesthood in 1988. In 2004 the OFFIKION of PROTOPRESBYTER was bestowed upon him by His Eminence Met. Isaiah of Denver. He served the Church faithfully for 36 years. He ministered to the Greek Orthodox community in Waco, Texas, beginning in 1991 and continued until 2020, when a full-time priest became available. Even in retirement, Fr. Ted continued to serve, traveling across Texas and even as far as Rock Springs, Wyoming, to lead Holy Week and Pascha services for communities without a resident priest.

Fr. Ted was a devoted husband, a cherished father, and a spiritual father to many. His life was a testament to faith, humility, and perseverance. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his kindness and unwavering dedication to God and His Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Spyridon and Vasiliki Tsitsilianos; his brother, Emmanuel (Manos) Tsitsilianos; and his nephew, Demitrios Tsitsilianos.

Fr. Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; their son, Paul Tsitsilianos; as well as his brothers, John, George, and Nick Tsitsilianos, and their families.

May his memory be eternal.

You are invited to leave a message or memory of Fr. Ted in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.