Glenview Church Mourns Loss of Former Pastor, Rev. Angelo Artemas

Parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church bid a final farewell to their former pastor for 11 years, Rev. Angelo Artemas, during his funeral at the Glenview church on April 27. They were joined by his family members and friends, as well as more than 50 fellow clergy from across the country. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago and His Grace Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion, Chancellor of the Metropolis, presided over the service.

Rev. Artemas, 58, died on April 20, just three and a half months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma. He had most recently served as Dean of the Metropolis Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, NJ. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over a prayer service for Rev. Artemas at the cathedral on April 23.

Angelo Artemas was raised in the Greater Chicago community while his father John, also a Greek Orthodox priest, served at several churches in the area. In 1985 Angelo Artemas received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Canisius College, in Buffalo, NY. He also met Patricia Guethlein that year and the two married in August 1986. Continuing his education at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, NY, he received a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education and a Master of Divinity degree in 1988. He completed his course work in the Doctorate in Ministry program there in 1996.

Ordained to the diaconate in 1987 and to the priesthood in 1988, Rev. Artemas was first assigned as pastor of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toledo, OH. In 1991 he was named National Youth Ministry Director for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, headquartered in New York. While there, he implemented several programs, including establishing a team of youth directors assigned to each Diocese. By the time he left there in 1997, his department had expanded to encompass family and parenting issues, and was renamed the Office of Youth and Family Ministries. Besides Glenview, Toledo and Tenafly, NJ, Rev. Artemas also served at churches in Downey, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Charlotte, NC; and Clifton, NJ, during his career.

Rev. Artemas was pastor at SS. Peter and Paul from 2001 to 2012. His predecessor, Rev. George Scoulas, was planning his retirement and asked the parish council to seek a successor who was a strong, young priest and could connect well with the youth. The council had already begun discussions with Rev. Artemas when, sadly, Rev. Scoulas died suddenly in late 2000. By the following June, Rev. Artemas was assigned to SS. Peter and Paul. He and Presbytera Patricia, along with their three daughters – Katie, age 10 at the time; Maria, 8; and Eleni, 7 – relocated to Northbrook, where the girls enjoyed their tween and teen years.

The immediate focus for Rev. Artemas was on following through with several projects begun during Rev. Scoulas’ tenure: completing the icons on the inside of the church’s dome; installation of an elevator in the community center for improved accessibility; and construction of the north parking lot for shared use with Wagner Farm/Glenview Park District.

Yet his true passions involved working with the young people, newly married and new parents. Rev. Artemas guided the 2002 establishment and continued growth of the church’s Agape Preschool. He relished gathering the preschoolers every week for a “Come and See” session with him in the church. He was instrumental in expanding the youth athletics program to include younger children, while insisting the children attend Sunday church school and youth ministry programs in order to participate in athletics.

While the kids met for activities with the youth ministry director and volunteer leaders, Rev. Artemas brought their parents together for informal discussions on relevant topics or concerns. He also enjoyed conducting pre-marriage seminars, saying it was important to give couples the tools to help them build a thriving marriage.

His extensive knowledge of music, movies, sports and pop culture enabled Rev. Artemas to add a contemporary twist to his sermons and youth group discussions, creating an impactful connection with whomever he engaged. He introduced innovative ways to link the church with everyday aspects of life – such as celebrating the Divine Liturgy outdoors at Wagner Farm, holding pet blessings in the parking lot and inviting his fellow Greek American Motorcycle Association members, other motorcyclists and bicyclists to a bike blessing on church grounds.

Rev. Artemas was predeceased by his mother, Presbytera Nikie, and his brother Peter. In addition to his father, Rev. John Artemas, Presbytera Patricia, daughters Katie and Maria Artemas and Eleni (Brandon) Putre, he leaves behind his siblings Elaine (Chris) Tikka and Lucy (Mike) Banks; sister-in-law Stephanie McElroy and several nieces and nephews.

In his remarks after a prayer service the night before the funeral, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael told the congregation “The final service of Fr. Angelo is here because he loved Chicago and he loved the Saints Peter and Paul parish. To his family, I add, please know that you will always have a home amongst the Greek Orthodox community here.”

“Our parish was honored and blessed to host the visitation and funeral for Fr. Angelo,” said Rev. Dr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, current pastor of SS. Peter and Paul. “The prayers of our church community are with Presbytera Patricia, their children, Fr. John and their whole family. We also pray fervently that our Risen Lord will forever remember Fr. Angelo’s Holy Priesthood in His Heavenly Kingdom. Fr. Angelo’s memory will always live in our minds and our hearts.”

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