Falling Asleep of Rev. Father Anthony Moschonas

Rev. Father Anthony Moschonas
January 15, 1939 – August 13, 2011

“All you who have walked the hard and narrow way in life,
who took up the Cross as a yoke and followed me faithfully,
come receive heavenly crowns, the rewards I have prepared for you.”
—Evlogitaria from the Funeral Service

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of Rev. Father Anthony Moschonas, age 72, on August 13, 2011, following complications from a stroke and heart surgery.

“We are saddened by the passing of Father Anthony Moschonas who served the faithful at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Tucson, Arizona for 30 years. He was a devoted and loving spiritual father to his beloved community, and was also well-known and respected in the civic community for his outreach services to poor and homeless,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Presvytera Maria, their two daughters, Loula and Tina, and their families who are mourning the passing of their loving husband, father and grandfather.”

Father Anthony was born in Kefallonia, Greece on January 15, 1939. He actively attended church in his youth, learning the rich tradition of Byzantine music from his father who was a chanter. During his high school years he moved to Athens where he worked and continued his studies. He also served in the Greek Air Force.

Upon returning to his home village, Father Anthony married Maria Katerelos, his childhood sweetheart on September 16, 1963, following which they immigrated to Montreal, Canada. Father Anthony worked as a printer’s apprentice but always felt a calling to serve the church. He moved his family to Brookline, Massachusetts in 1967 to attend Holy Cross Theological School, and was subsequently ordained a priest on June 6, 1970.

Father Anthony’s first assignment began one week following his ordination on June 11, 1970 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Sioux City, Iowa. For nearly five years, Father Anthony served this small community, learning the duties of a parish priest, and also celebrating the parish’s 75th Anniversary in 1973.

Desiring to move to a warmer climate for the health of his family, Father Anthony was transferred to Saint Demetrios in Tucson, Arizona on November 11, 1974 where he would remain for 30 years until his retirement in June 2004. During his tenure at Saint Demetrios, Father Anthony cultivated this small parish into an active community, initiated Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless with the Salvation Army and Philoptochos, and started the annual Greek Food Festival as a means of supporting the community and spreading their Hellenic Culture throughout the city.

The youth of the community were a priority for Father Anthony, and the parish maintained an active GOYA group, Sunday School, and Greek Folk Dance troupe. He also established a Greek language school at the parish and a similar program within the University of Arizona.

In addition to serving the faithful in Tucson, Father Anthony served as chaplain at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center and the Davis Monthan Air Force Base. He also led the formation of a mission community in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Father Anthony also worked closely with Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, where he will be laid to rest.

The funeral service and interment will be held on Tuesday, August 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Monastery, 4783 N. St. Joseph’s Way, Florence, Arizona.

May his memory be eternal!