Tuesday, March 18, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of the repose of Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) from 1992–2002. Following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 23, the seminary community will observe the milestone with a panikhida, as we remember his remarkable life and contributions to the seminary and to the education of thousands in America and abroad through his books and lectures.
Thomas John Hopko was born in Endicott, NY, on March 28, 1939, the third child and only son of John J. Hopko and Anna [Zapotocky] Hopko. He was baptized and raised in St Mary’s Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Greek-Catholic Church, and educated in Endicott public schools, graduating from Union-Endicott High School in 1956. He married his wife, Anne (née Schmemann, daughter of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann), in 1963; their five children, Archpriest John Hopko (M.Div. ‘90), Juliana Thetford, Catherine Mandell, Matushka Mary Solak, and Alexandra Sedor, as well as their children and grandchildren, are actively involved in the life of the Church. Notably, one of Fr Hopko’s grandsons, Zachariah Mandell, is now serving at St Vladimir’s Seminary as the Director of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Alumni Relations, and instructor for Liturgical Music.
Fr Hopko, affectionately known as Fr Tom, graduated from Fordham University in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in Russian studies. He graduated with a theological degree from St Vladimir's Seminary in 1963, from Duquesne University with a master’s degree in philosophy in 1969, and earned his doctorate degree in theology from Fordham University in 1982.
Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in August 1963, Fr Hopko served the following parishes as pastor: Saint John the Baptist Church, Warren, OH (1963–1968); Saint Gregory the Theologian Church, Wappingers Falls, NY (1968–1978); and Saint Nicholas Church, Jamaica Estates, NY (1978–1983). He was honored with the clerical rank of Archpriest in 1970 and the rank of Protopresbyter in 1995.
Beginning in 1968, Fr Hopko began his long service to St Vladimir’s Seminary. Over the years, he held the following positions at the school: Lecturer in Doctrine and Pastoral Theology, 1968–1972; Assistant Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1972–1983; Associate Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1983–1991; Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1991–1992; Dean, Rector of Three Hierarchs Chapel, and Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1992–2002.
During his years of priestly ministry, Fr Hopko authored numerous books and articles. The most well-known of these publications is The Orthodox Faith: An Elementary Handbook on the Orthodox Church. That book began as four small volumes published in different colors (affectionately known as the "rainbow series") that in turn were translated into many languages. Collectively this work played an indelible role in the Orthodox Church's catechetical literature for decades.
A prolific speaker and preacher, he spoke at conferences, retreats, public lectures, and church gatherings of all kinds, many of which were recorded. Fr Hopko performed countless duties on behalf of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), including representing the Church at intra-Orthodox gatherings and ecumenical meetings.
Upon retirement, Fr Hopko and his wife moved to Ellwood City, PA, where they lived near the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration. There, he began a new ministry: internet-based Orthodox Christian radio talks. Starting in the year 2008, Fr Hopko produced well over 400 podcasts for Ancient Faith Radio, mostly within his signature series, "Speaking the Truth in Love."
Fr Hopko exercised untiring and loving pastoral care on behalf of many who sought him out for spiritual guidance. His greatest desire was that every person would respond to these words of Jesus Christ: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Fr Hopko’s written and recorded words continue to impact Orthodox faithful around the world. On campus, he is fondly remembered by former students and spiritual children who now serve as faculty and staff. Dr Peter Bouteneff holds the position formerly occupied by Fr Hopko, Professor of Systematic Theology (formerly Dogmatic Theology), and reminisced about the difficulty of stepping into the role following Fr Hopko’s retirement, saying, “Fr Tom had a massive influence on my thinking and teaching, maybe more than anyone I studied with—and that says a lot! To this day, whenever I speak in the classroom or in the parishes, I end up quoting him regularly.”
Apart from his intellectual and academic prowess, Fr Hopko guided generations of clergy-in-training in learning the liturgical cycles and tradition, overseeing Three Hierarchs Chapel as Rector and leading the chapel services almost daily. Current Rector of Three Hierarchs Chapel, the Very Rev. Dr Alexander Rentel reflected on his time as a seminarian in the early 90s, saying, “One thing that always stayed with me, that I was especially taught by Fr Tom...was a love for the liturgical services…Fr Tom taught…by doing, by being. It might sound silly, but it was incredible for anybody who saw him do a great censing during Vigil, serve Daily Matins or the Liturgy, or just offer an extemporaneous sermon at the end of services. It was a master class on how to be a priest.”
The Very Rev. Dr Sergius Halvorsen gave a beautiful tribute to Fr Hopko’s memory at the 40-day panikhida service held at St Vladimir’s Seminary in 2015, after his repose. He spoke to the missionary and evangelical impact Fr Tom had on his own life, and for so many in the US and abroad, through his extensive travels to give talks and retreats in person.
Read the 40-day Homily by Fr Sergius
Fr Tom’s memory lives on at St Vladimir’s through assigned readings in classes, faithful commemoration on every Memorial Saturday, and the faculty house on the north side of campus which bears his name. As we commemorate him on the 10th anniversary of his repose, we joyfully share with you ways to read and hear his words, learn more about his long-lasting contributions to the Church, and participate in his legacy.
Books and recordings by Fr Hopko:
Hopko Collection–The complete written works of Fr Thomas Hopko published by SVS Press, as well as his best-known lecture recordings, including Praying with Icons and The Word of the Cross.
Fr Thomas on Ancient Faith Radio–Four podcasts featuring the words and wisdom of Fr Hopko, published by Ancient Faith Radio beginning in 2008, and continuing until just before his repose in 2015. The podcasts include:
Fr Hopko’s contributions to the Orthodox Church in America and beyond:
Fr Hopko presented with the rarely awarded Saint Innocent Award, Gold Class–The award, presented in 2013, was given “in recognition of Fr Tom’s outstanding service as a priest, teacher, seminary dean, and writer who [had] a deep influence for good on the life of the Orthodox Church in America.”
Fr Hopko’s 55 Maxims–A true testament to the pastoral and practical nature of Fr Tom’s ministry, his “55 Maxims” have been shared by Orthodox Christians around the world, providing a down-to-earth, accessible guide for everyday life in Christ.
Funeral Homily–The homily given by former SVOTS Dean, the Very Rev. Dr John Behr at the funeral service for Fr Hopko.
In Memoriam page for Fr Hopko, Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration–Read a collection of tributes to Fr Tom assembled by the nuns he served as pastor in his retirement.
Read further tributes to Fr Tom–Read the original article offered in memory of Fr Hopko after his repose in 2015, linking to many tributes and condolences from Orthodox hierarchs, SVOTS alumni, and his friends and colleagues.
Participate in Fr Hopko’s Legacy:
The Fr Thomas Hopko Endowment for Women's Vocations–Ensure future generations of Orthodox women receive theological education at St Vladimir’s Seminary (select “Fr Thomas Hopko Endowment for Women’s Vocations” in the “I want to support” dropdown menu).
May the memory of Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko (+March 18, 2015) be eternal!
