Dr. Anthony P. Gythiel

Gythiel, Dr. Anthony P., 83, retired WSU professor and renowned translator, entered into eternal rest on May 15, 2014 in Wichita. Fourth of seven children, Anthony and his twin sister, Antoinette, were born in Poperinge, West Flanders in 1930. He was nine when their mother, Elise, was killed during the Nazi bombardment of Belguim. After earning a bachelor's in philosophy and master's in theology in Belgium, Dr. Gythiel went to Zaire as a Jesuit missionary. While a teacher in rebellion-torn Kinshasa, his life was often in danger. In 1963, Gythiel relocated to Michigan, where he earned a master's in English literature and a Ph.D. in medieval studies from the Univ. of Detroit. In 1968, he married Dana Jorns, teacher at a Lutheran school, and became a naturalized citizen. On the Wichita State University faculty since 1971, Dr. Gythiel taught medieval literature and history. His reputation as a disciplined instructor endeared him to many students. During his 39 years at WSU, Dr. Gythiel received numerous honors, including the first-ever John R. Barrier Distinguished Teacher Award. He retired in 2010. Dr. Gythiel embraced Orthodox Christianity in 1981. For the remainder of his life, Orthodox studies (and gardening) occupied most of his time away from class. In 2008, at a unique academic convocation at St. George Cathedral, he was granted an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. Dr. Gythiel's faith, historical training, and familiarity with 13 languages made him uniquely suited for the difficult work of translating theological-historical works about Eastern Christianity. Fourteen of his translated books have been published since 1985. He remained active in retirement, diligently translating important works by Evdokimov, Deseille, Bunge and Danielou. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Dana, and two sisters, Monique and Maria, both of whom live in Belgium, as do 12 nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother, Gythiel was preceded in death by his father, Marcel, and four siblings, Antoinette, Theresa, Paul, and Frans. A Trisagion and Funeral Service will be held Monday, May 19, 2014 at 7:00 P.M., at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 7515 E. 13th, followed by a graveside interment at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Preston, KS, on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at 11:30 A.M. Funeral services are provided by Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002 which oversees two scholarships named for Dr. Gythiel, to St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary for student scholarship, 575 Scarsdale Rd., Yonkers, NY 10707, or to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. www.dlwichita.com