Theodore Phillips

The Very Reverend Father Theodore Phillips passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 23, 2016. Father Theodore was born in Gary, IN on June 23, 1929, where he lived until he was three years old. His family then moved to Greece where he remained until he was 15. Following the completion of high school in Sacramento, CA, he enrolled in Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA where he received his Master of Divinity degree. He began his ministry in 1953 at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church in Stockton, CA where he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood. While serving this parish, he also attended the University of the Pacific for post-graduate work and served as Chaplain for the State Hospital for eleven and a half years. He then served at Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego, CA from 1965 – 1978. He was one of eight civilian clergy to receive training in Clinical Pastoral Psychology at the US Naval Hospital, San Diego and earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from National University. He was a member of the Doctor-Clergy Association of Sharp Hospital, San Diego. Father Theodore was also a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Father Phillips was honored by the Greek government when chosen as one of 30 Greek Orthodox Priests from America to tour Greece. In 1977, he was presented the Regional Brotherhood Award by the National Conference of Christians and Jews for his outstanding leadership in the community. Father Theodore was the first parish priest at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA where he faithfully served from 1978 – 2006. In 1997 he received the highest honorary rank granted to a married priest, Protopresbyter. Following retirement, he continued as Pastor Emeritus for the Parish. He was especially committed to the development of youth programs, which led to his involvement as a founder of what has become the largest youth ministry program in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese – the Folk Dance and Choral Festival. Father Theodore was a champion of this program and it brought him great joy to see it flourish so abundantly for the past 40 years. He also served on numerous boards including the Guadalupe Home for Boys, St. John’s Home for Boys, and the Trinity School for Children. Father Theodore was married to Presvytera Mary for 63 years until her passing on March 6, 2016. They were blessed with two children, Erys and Theodore and with one cherished grandson, Erik. He is also survived by a sister, Yiota of Greece, sister-in-law, Rose Linardos of Pasadena and many nieces and nephews. Father Theodore will be remembered for his warm smile, melodious voice, his care and compassion, and the genuine way in which he touched the lives of his parishioners during his over 50 years of distinguished service as a priest. All who met him were blessed and he had an impact on many. The Trisagion Service will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. at on Sunday, August 28. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 29 at 10:00 a.m., with Divine Liturgy immediately preceding at 8:30 a.m. All services will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California. The Makaria will be held immediately following the funeral. At the request of the family, the interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donation be made to: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church for the Father Theodore Phillips Scholarship Fund, 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007.