Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Announces Repose of Bsp. Timothy of Hexamilion
Chicago-born hierarch remembered for nearly five decades of ministry and a lifetime of pastoral service.
CHICAGO — The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America recently announced with “deep sorrow yet with hope in the Resurrection” the repose of Bishop Timothy (Bakakos) of Hexamilion, who fell asleep in the Lord on Nov. 20, 2025, at the age of 73. Archbishop Elpidophoros presided over a memorial service in New York on Thursday and will be in Chicago tomorrow to lead the funeral services.
An obituary published by the Orthodox Observer shares that, a native of Chicago and a lifelong servant of the Church, Bishop Timothy devoted more than 40 years to priestly ministry before his election as bishop in 2020. His gentle manner and pastoral warmth made him one of the most beloved clergy in the Metropolis of Chicago. Metropolitan Nathanael praised him as a “faithful partner and trusted advisor,” saying he “served the people, communities, and institutions of the Metropolis of Chicago with the grace and humility of a servant of God.”
Born in 1952 and raised at Assumption (Panagia) Greek Orthodox Church, Bishop Timothy displayed an early love for parish life — attending Greek School, serving in the altar, and participating in youth programs. Encouraged by his parish clergy, he pursued theological studies at Hellenic College and Holy Cross, later spending a formative year in Athens. He was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 1980 and elevated to Archimandrite in 1984.
For nearly four decades, he led parishes across the Midwest, including St. Elias in Dubuque, Iowa; St. Sophia in Elgin, Illinois; St. Nicholas in Oak Lawn, Illinois; and ultimately his childhood parish in Chicago. He also served in leadership roles among his brother clergy and ministered as a chaplain at the Elgin Mental Health Center, offering spiritual support to those most in need.
In 2019 he was appointed Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago, and the following year he was unanimously elected Bishop of Hexamilion by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. After stepping aside as Chancellor in 2025, he continued serving as Senior Advisor to Metropolitan Nathanael and as Spiritual Advisor to the Metropolis Philoptochos Society. Even as his health declined, he remained, in the words of Archbishop Elpidophoros, a “source of spiritual comfort and wisdom to the faithful.”
Bishop Timothy will be remembered for his unwavering faith, compassion, and nearly 50 years of dedicated service to the Church. “He offered guidance, comfort, and Christian love to all who approached him,” the Archdiocese said in its announcement.
Funeral services will take place Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, where hierarchs, clergy, and faithful will gather to pray for the repose of his soul.
"May his memory be eternal," the obituary concludes.
