Abp. Elpidophoros Eulogizes Bsp. Timothy in Chicago
The hierarch spoke about the “true shepherd of souls” whose decades of ministry were marked by humility and steadfast faith.
CHICAGO — Abp. Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America delivered a eulogy Tuesday for Bsp. Timothy of Hexamilion, praising the late hierarch’s lifelong devotion to the Church and his quiet, unwavering pastoral care.
Speaking at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago — where His Grace served nearly 20 years — the archbishop said the bishop’s entire life “was itself a living homily" of the Resurrection, marked by “humility, steadfastness, and love for the Church of Christ.”
The archbishop recalled Bsp. Timothy’s Chicago roots, his formation at Hellenic College and Holy Cross, and more than four decades of ministry across the Archdiocese. “He inspired community not with ambition but with gentleness; not by demanding loyalty, but by inspiring love,” His Eminence said.
He also emphasized the bishop’s pastoral heart even in administrative roles, noting that his 2020 election as Bishop of Hexamilion simply confirmed “what we already knew: that he was, and had always been, a true shepherd of souls.”
Abp. Elpidophoros shared a recent visit with Bsp. Timothy during his final weeks. “His body was frail, yet his mind and heart were as bright as ever,” he said, adding that the bishop faced his illness “with serenity, with readiness, and with hope.”
To the bishop’s family and clergy, Abp. Eldidophoros offered words of consolation: “Your grief today is shared by the entire Archdiocese,” he said. “He belonged to you by blood, but through grace he also belonged to us.”
Bsp. Timothy, he said, remained faithful to the end, “a servant of Christ who 'fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.'"
"Beloved family and friends, beloved clergy and faithful: let us find comfort in the promise of the Lord, that 'those who teach and lead many to righteousness shall shine like the stars forever.' Bsp. Timothy now shines among those stars," His Eminence said. "The flame that burned in this earthly temple has been transferred to the heavenly one, where he will ever serve at the celestial altar of God’s glory."
Previously, UOJ reported that Bsp. Timothy of Hexamilion had fallen asleep in the Lord.
