Thomas Hopko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Very Rev. Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko |
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| Dean Emeritus, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, New York, U.S. | |
| Other posts | Rector: St. John The Baptist Church (Warren, OH, 1963-8), St. Gregory the Theologian Church (Wappingers Falls, NY, 1968-78), St. Nicholas Church (Jamaica Estates, NY, 1978-83). During tenure at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary: Lecturer in Doctrine and Pastoral Theology, 1968–72; Assistant Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1972–83; Associate Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1983–1991; Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1991–2; Dean, Rector of Three Hierarchs Chapel, and Professor of Dogmatic Theology, 1992–2002 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | August 1963 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 28, 1939 Endicott, New York, United States |
| Died | March 18, 2015 (aged 75) Wexford, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Orthodox Church in America |
| Spouse | Anne Hopko (née Schmemann) (m. 1963-2015, his death) |
| Children | Archpriest John Hopko, Juliana Thetford, Catherine Mandell, Matushka Mary Solak and Alexandra Sedor |
| Alma mater | Fordham University (1960, B.A. in Russian Studies; 1982 Ph.D. in Theology, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (1963, M.Div.) and Duquesne University (1969, M.A. in Philosophy) |
Thomas John Hopko (born March 28, 1939 – died March 18, 2015) was an Eastern Orthodox Christian priest and a theologian. He was a very important teacher and leader at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He served as the Dean of the seminary from 1992 to 2002.
Before becoming Dean, he taught dogmatic theology at the seminary for many years, starting in 1968. Even after he retired, he was given the special title of Dean Emeritus. This means he was still honored for his past leadership.
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Thomas Hopko's Early Life and Studies
Thomas Hopko was born in Endicott, New York. His family came from a group of people called Rusyns. Their ancestors were from a village near the city of Uzhorod. He grew up in the Orthodox Christian faith.
He went to Fordham University and earned a degree in Russian studies in 1960. Later, in 1963, he got his Master of Divinity degree from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. He continued his studies, earning a master's degree in philosophy from Duquesne University in 1968. In 1982, he completed his Ph.D. in theology at Fordham University.
At St. Vladimir's Seminary, Thomas Hopko learned from famous Orthodox theologians. These included Father Alexander Schmemann and Father John Meyendorff.
His Priesthood and Teaching Career
Thomas Hopko became a priest in 1963. He served in several churches in Ohio and New York. In 1968, he began teaching at St. Vladimir's Seminary. He eventually became a professor of dogmatic theology, taking over from his own teacher.
He was given the title of archpriest in 1970. When he was chosen to be the Dean of the seminary, he was given an even higher title, protopresbyter, in 1995.
His Work and Connections
Thomas Hopko was a well-known speaker and lecturer in the Orthodox Christian world. He was also known in groups that work to bring different Christian churches closer together. This is called ecumenical work.
He was part of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. He also represented the Orthodox Church in America at important meetings in Uppsala, Sweden, and Nairobi, Kenya. From 1992 to 1995, he was the President of the Orthodox Theological Society in America.
After he retired, he had several popular podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio. These podcasts allowed many people to hear his teachings. He also wrote about why the Eastern Orthodox Church does not allow the ordination of women.
Books and Podcasts by Thomas Hopko
Thomas Hopko wrote many books and recorded several podcasts. These works helped explain Orthodox Christian beliefs and practices to a wide audience.
Podcasts
- Speaking the Truth in Love
- The Names of Jesus
- Worship in Spirit and Truth
Writings
- All the Fulness of God: Essays on Orthodoxy, Ecumenism and Modern Society
- Speaking The Truth In Love: Education, Mission, And Witness In Contemporary Orthodoxy
- If We Confess Our Sins: Preparation and Prayers
- The Lenten Spring: Readings for Great Lent
- The Winter Pascha: Readings for the Christmas-Epiphany Season
- The Orthodox Faith Volume One: Doctrine and Scripture
- The Orthodox Faith Volume Two: Worship
- The Orthodox Faith Volume Three: Church History
- The Orthodox Faith Volume Four: Spirituality
His Later Years
Thomas Hopko passed away on March 18, 2015. He died in Wexford, Pennsylvania, which is near Pittsburgh. He was survived by his wife, Anne, and their five children.
