Falling Asleep of Rev. Father John Asimacopoulos

“The passing of Father John Asimacopoulos leaves a tremendous void in the Metropolis of San Francisco. Father John was loved and respected by his brother clergy as a caring, compassionate and gentle leader. Throughout his distinguished ministry, Father John offered pastoral care and spiritual guidance to thousands of faithful, always seeking to bring people closer to Christ,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “He was a personal friend and wise counselor to me in my ministry at the Metropolis. We especially extend our love and prayers to his beloved Presvytera Maria, their children and grandchildren who mourn his passing, asking that the Lord may grant them His peace and mercy during these difficult days.”

Father John is survived by his beloved wife, Presvytera Maria, whom he married in 1956, and their children: Dr. George and Antonia Lendaris, Nicholas and Stephanie Tziavaras, and George Asimacopoulos; along with grandchildren Nicholas and Maria Lendaris. He was predeceased by his first child, George.

All services will be held at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1260 Davis Street, San Jose, CA, with the schedule of services as follows:

Monday, March 21
Father John will lie in state beginning at 7:00 p.m. and the church will remain open for a vigil throughout the night.

Wednesday, March 23
8:30 a.m.    Ninth Hour 
9:30 a.m.    Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
10:30 a.m.  Funeral

The Interment will be held at Mission City Memorial Park immediately following the funeral service. A Makaria will be offered at the Saint Nicholas Fellowship Hall following the burial.

It was Father John’s wish that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to the Saint Nicholas Building Fund (mailing address: 986 Chapman Street, San Jose, CA, 95126).

For those needing hotel accommodations, please contact the Crowne Plaza, 282 Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA, 408-998-0400, group name: Saint Nicholas Church, group rate: $89 per night.

May his memory be eternal!

FATHER JOHN ASIMACOPOULOS

Born in Stylia, Greece on May 10, 1931, Father John Asimacopoulos was the oldest of six children born to George and Antonia Asimacopoulos. In 1950, Father John joined the Greek army and received the rank of “Axiomatikos”. Having been honorably discharged, Father John was accepted into the University of Athens and attended the theological school where he completed his studies in 1957. It was during that time that Father John met his wife, Presvytera Maria Stavropoulos. They were married on December 27, 1956.

Following graduation from the University of Athens, Father John and Presvytera Maria came to the United States. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on October 26, 1957 and into the Holy Priesthood on October 27, 1957 at Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hempstead, Long Island, New York by Archbishop Michael of North and South America, of blessed memory.

Father John began his ministry as the assistant at Saint Paul’s but in July 1958, he was assigned to the Assumption Church in Price, Utah where he served for six years.

In 1964, Fr. John assumed the position as pastor of the Annunciation Church in Modesto, California. While in Modesto, Father John continued his studies and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Psychology. Possessing a great love to educate, Father John also earned a teaching credential in primary and secondary education. Additional post-graduate study was done at the University of the Pacific and he also taught part-time in the Modesto Public School system. During this time Father John was active in developing ministries to serve the parishioners that also included the building of the educational center and the addition of the fellowship hall.

Having been elevated to the rank of Protopresbyter in 1981, Father John was then assigned to Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego, California. He served there until 1987 when he was assigned to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, California. While in San Jose, Father John contributed to the growth of the parish and its facilities. Under his spiritual guidance, the decision to build a new church complex was initiated. In his 24 years as pastor, homes in the neighborhood were acquired to expand the needs of the parish, two rectories were built for the clergy, and a multipurpose fellowship hall/gymnasium was built.

Father John served the Church tirelessly all his life. He was known as a compassionate and loving spiritual father who served God’s people with an enthusiasm that reflected his faith in God.

Father John was preceded in death by his first child George, who died at the age of seven. He is survived by Presvytera Maria, their children, Dr. George and Antonia Lendaris, Nicholas and Stephanie Tziavaras, George Asimacopoulos, and grandchildren Nicholas and Maria Lendaris.