A Man for all Seasons, Father Steven Yankopoulos

A Mournful Congregation Remembers
By Contributing Writer Vicki Cassis

Fr. Steven Stergios Yankopoulos of Blessed Memory, affectionately known to his Muskegon parishioners as Fr. Steve, lived in West Michigan for over 16 years. After his passing in February of 2005, his congregation continues to remain in awe of his dedication to Orthodoxy. It appears that Fr. Yankopoulos besides exhibiting devotion to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, and enthusiasm for his faith, had a passion for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies. After his death, it was discovered that he had been instrumental in translating seven books from Greek to English.

His wife of 45 years, Presbytera Ann, shares that, after taking a trip together to the Holy Land years prior, Fr. Steve had become entranced by its holiness and it was then that he decided to become a priest. During this time, translations were being done by Fr. Asterios Gerostergios. They translated over a half dozen books that were originally written by Bishop of Phlorina in Greece, Angoustinos Kantiotes. These works-- translating from Greek to English took more than 20 years. Fr. Yankopoulos was very interested in Orthodoxy and its teachings and was finishing his doctorate at his untimely death at the age of just 71..

Below is a dedication to Fr. Steve from the book, "Fragrant Flowers" written by Bishop Augoustinos N. Kantiotes which is based on the sermons of 52 Saints;

"Dedicated to Father Steven Yankopoulos of blessed memory
in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the educational
and missionary work of the Institute for Byzantine and Modern
Greek Studies. Thanks to his hard work and talents we were
able to produce a number of instructional and spiritual volumes
of Bishop Augoustinos' important catechetical works which are
nourishing our English speaking Orthodox faithful in America
and abroad. May his memory be eternal! Certainly he is now
among the saints in heaven and along with them they are teaching
and inspiring us all here in the so-called militant and struggling
church on earth, by work and good example, waiting for us there so
that we may celebrate together the victory of the resurrected Lord."

After graduating from Holy Cross in 1987, Fr. Steve was ordained as deacon and priest by the end of that year. Together, he and Presbytera Ann were assigned to Muskegon, Michigan in 1988, where he served the Annunciation parish during the building of its beautiful new church. This was the only parish that Fr. Steve served, his parishioners became family and it is where Presbytera Ann continues to reside. His devotion and dedication will forever remain an inspiration to his mourning congregation. May his memory be eternal.

Memorial Pictures available.

Biography Vicki Cassis

Vicki Cassis is a freelance writer, which is a new career after recently returning to college. She is married and has three children and looks forward to communicating the importance of family and our traditions. She has volunteered in many charities, causes, and church groups as well as taught church school for many years in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Malista!