It is with great sadness, yet with hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, that we inform you that yesterday, one of our beloved brother priests has fallen asleep in the Lord. The Hierarchs, clergy, laity, and friends of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago today deeply mourn the memory of Fr. Stephen “Steve” Bithos, who fell asleep in the Lord on January 25, 2024.
He is mourned by Presvytera Pearlann, his wife of more than 41 years, and his two daughters, Angie and Katie (John), and three grandchildren, Cecilia, Daphne, and Leo Stephen.
Those who knew Fr. Steve took joy in his company seeing a loving husband and father, earnest friend, compassionate soul, and devoted servant of God. Indeed, as a spiritual father, Fr. Steve saw and had a unique ability to speak to the fundamental dignity in each and every member of his flock.
Fr. Steve was born in San Francisco, CA to Fr. Constantine and Presvytera Vee Bithos. He graduated from the University of Illinois and then later Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.
Fr. Steve had the great blessing to serve his entire priestly ministry in the Metropolis of Chicago: Annunciation Church, Milwaukee, WI (1983-84); St. Demetrios Church, Chicago, IL, (1984-87); St. Iakovos Church, Valparaiso, IN, (1987-92); All Saints Church, Joliet, IL, (1992-2020); and St Nicholas Church, Oak Lawn, IL, (2020-24). A senior priest, he was elevated to Protopresbyter by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael in 2018. He also dutifully served as the president of the Chicago Clergy Syndesmos, a member of Metropolis Council, and a member of the Archdiocese Presbyters Council.
Funeral Arrangements:
Visitation/Trisagion:
Tuesday, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 – 4:00pm – 8:00pm Trisagion Service – 7:00pm
St. Nicholas Church, 10301 S. Kolmar Ave.
Oak Lawn IL. 708.636.5460
Funeral: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 – Orthros 8:30am
Divine Liturgy 9:30am
Funeral 11:00am
May his Memory Be Eternal, and may the Lord God remember his priesthood in His Kingdom
