George Venetos Obituary

Venetos, The Very Rev. George James, passed away April 15, 2003. Born January 16, 1933 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, raised in Baltimore, MD, graduated with honors from Holy Cross Seminary and ordained as a priest in 1957. He served as Pastor of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland, Maine for 14 years and served on many state and local religious and community organizations. He was appointed by Archbishop Iakovos as Vicar of Northern New England, including Nova Scotia, as his representative in church and community affairs. He was appointed Dean of St. George Cathedral, Manchester, N.H. in 1971. During his four years in New Hampshire he served on the Interfaith Council of Manchester and was the Orthodox representative on the N.H. Council of Christians and Jews.
In 1975 he was appointed Dean of St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, the most renowned Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the U.S. In Los Angeles he served as Chaplain at U.C.L.A., U.S.C., Loyola Marymount University and the Veterans Administration in Westwood. He was an instructor of the Orthodox tradition at Loyola Marymount since 1977. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. Trisagion Service 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17. 2003 with Funeral Service at 9:30 a.m., Friday, April 18, 2003, both at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Pico Blvd. at Normandie, Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in his name, benefitting Holy Cross Seminary. Donations should be made to the Rev. George James Venetos Memorial Fund, c/o St. Sophia Cathedral, 1324 S. Normandie, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Gates Kingsley Gates Smith Salsbury Funeral Directors (310)837-7121.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Apr. 17, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for George Venetos

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8 Entries

Nikoletta Bolas

October 27, 2024

My mother brought me to talk with Father Venetos when I was a young person, I was suffering with a spiritual crisis, 'What is the meaning of life?' 'What about death?' I was very afraid and felt in a different world from everyone I knew. You know the saying, "People don't remember what you say, they remember how you make them feel?" Well, I don't remember exactly what we talked about, but Father made me feel less alone. Our brief encounter still brings tears of gratitude from my heart. God bless you, and Thank you, Father George. I wish you every blessing.

Mary Pappas Burns

April 23, 2003

With much saddness, Mary Pappas Burns

Pam Brewster

April 22, 2003

My prayers are with you, Nouna, Debbie, Paul, Jim and the extended family. My Nouno was a wonderful man who will be surely missed. May God be with you all during this difficult time and may you find comfort and peace in His grace.

Eleni Condakes

April 19, 2003

My deepest sympathy to you our beloved Presbytera, Debbie, Paul, Jim, and your families. Father George will always be in my heart with the utmost respect and love.

Kathy & Ted (Kourapis) Sipes

April 18, 2003

Father Venetos, the priest of my childhood congregation in Portland, Maine, and father of my childhood friends, was an inspirational spiritual leader and dear friend of the family. I will miss him. I am so grateful to have had renewed contact with Father these last few years, and to have had him officiate at my recent wedding. I feel blessed to have had Father in my life. My sincere sympathies to Presbytera, Paul, Debbie, Jimmy, and their spouses and children.

Kevin & Stacey Normandy

April 17, 2003

We have lost a good man and a good friend.

See you on the other side, Father.

Chris Kitchens

April 17, 2003

My heart was pierced upon hearing of the sudden passing of my beloved Spiritual Father George J. Venetos. Father George's reverence, spirituality, compassion, warmth and love epitomize the priestly character and serve as an everlasting model for all clergymen.

I was most fortunate to have the honor of serving as his head altar boy at St. Sophia Cathedral until 1987. Father George was a very close friend of my family and he continued to provide me spiritual guidance just one week prior to his falling asleep in the Lord.

While he will be greatly missed, I find solace in the faith that the Lord loves him and has prepared a wonderful place for him to enjoy eternal life in Paradise.

As you always told me, Father, "Me to kalo." May the Lord our God remember you in His Kingdom and reward you as richly as your presence in my life rewarded me.

Love always,

-Chris Kitchens

Christine and Odie Kourapis

April 17, 2003

Although we have lost an exceptional friend and devoted priest, we will cherish his memory forever. We have been so fortunate to have enjoyed a friendship of more than forty-five years. Father George married us, christened our children, and officiated at the funerals of our parents. We will miss his perpetual smile, spiritual counseling, and good humor.

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