DOGIAS, Demetrius T.
March 9, 1939 - February 4, 2013
It is with great sadness that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of Rev. Fr. Demetrius T. Dogias, who fell asleep in the Lord on February 4, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Father Demetrius was a distinguished priest in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, having been ordained nearly 50 years ago, on March 10, 1963 by His Eminence Metropolitan Germanos Polyzoides in Troy, NY.

'Father Demetrius was a priest whose entire life emulated his love for the Lord. He was fully devoted to his ministry, and joyfully shared his faith with the people he served, always striving to lead them on the path of eternal salvation in the Lord,' stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. 'Father Demetrius' departure from this life leaves a tremendous void for his family, his parishioners and all those whose lives he touched during his ministry. It is my fervent prayer that God will comfort their grieving hearts and grant eternal rest to our most worthy brother in the Lord.'

Father Demetrius was born on March 9, 1939 in Elizabeth, NJ and raised in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was the first of four sons born to Thales and Mary Dogias, originally from Andros, Greece. After completing his elementary and secondary education in Poughkeepsie, Father Demetrius was accepted into the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology in 1963, ranking among the top three in his class. Through the Taylor Scholarship granted by the Archdiocese, Father Demetrius continued his studies at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY earning a Master of Arts degree in Medieval History with an emphasis on Byzantium in 1971.

Among the parishes served by Father Demetrius were: Saint Paul - Hempstead, NY from 1963 - 1965; Saint George - Oklahoma City, OK from 1965 - 1968; Assumption - Danbury, CT from 1968 - 1971; Saints Constantine and Helen - Washington, DC from 1971 - 1974; Saint George - Albuquerque from 1974 - 1981; and the Annunciation - Sacramento, CA from 1981 until his retirement in 2006. He also nurtured the establishment and growth of the nearby parishes of Saint Katherine in Elk Grove, CA and Saint Anna in Roseville, CA. Always with a zeal for serving the Lord, Father Demetrius continued to offer his leadership during his retirement by serving as interim Dean of Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral - Honolulu, HI from 2007 - 2008, and substituting at parishes throughout the Metropolis whenever there was a need.

A noted scholar, researcher and avid reader, Father Demetrius taught numerous classes at the many parishes he served, sharing his love of learning and his passion for the faith with people of all ages. A gifted musician, Father Demetrius excelled in his musical studies as a chanter, and also served as the choir accompanist under the famed choral conductor and composer, Dr. Christos Vrionides during his time at Holy Cross. In each of his parishes, Father Demetrius was especially supportive of the music ministry, encouraging the choir and chanters in their participation in the Liturgical life of the church. During his 26-year tenure at the Annunciation Church in Sacramento, Father Demetrius was at church every Thursday evening, joining in praise and song with the choir at their weekly rehearsals.

Father Demetrius is survived by his beloved wife, Presvytera Eleutheria (Tsakiris) Dogias, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just one day prior to his passing. He is also survived by his children Amalia Dogias; Tom (Eleni), Maria (Thanasi) Preovolos; and Peter (Dimitra), along with his six adoring grandchildren. Additionally, Father Demetrius is survived by his two brothers, George and Alexander, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, and brother Nicholas.

A Trisagion Service will be prayed at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 7. The Orthros and Divine Liturgy will also be prayed at the Annunciation Church beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 8, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco will officiate at these services. Father Demetrius will lie in state earlier in the day at the Saint Anna Church in Roseville, CA beginning at 2:00 p.m., concluding with a Trisagion at 6:00 p.m.

The family requests that donations in memory of Father Demetrius be made to either the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 3022 F Street, Sacramento, CA 95818; or to the Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 Stone Canyon Drive, Roseville, CA 95661.
Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger, directors

May his memory be eternal!