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Father Anthony Kosturos: A Glowing Priest on Earth, a Shining Star in Heaven
By Father Aristotle William Damaskos, Class of 1981
(Published in the July 2004 "Trinity Familian")
As a newly ordained deacon in the late 80s, I came to know, love and respect the man whom I considered to be a "priest's priest." Never too
busy to speak, laugh, support or encourage another brother clergy, no matter the age difference. He never made anyone feel inferior but
always treated them as an equal. I am truly grateful for that.
However, there was more, much more. The Church was paramount in his life. He came from that rich "Pomfret Tradition" which knew no day
off and rarely took a vacation. And quite often, when pressing parish issues surfaced, his family took second or even third seat. But,
in spite of his dedication to The Church and to the Lord he served, his family life was reflected in the love and happiness he enjoyed with
his Presvytera Mary and the blessings that their seven children and nine grandchildren brought them.
As with many things in this mystifying life, I find it ironic that Father Anthony fell asleep the day after the Feast of the Holy Trinity, as
if to declare to his people that he wanted to be present, at least in spirit and in prayer, at one more Sacred Service that was to him so
dear, having served the Holy Trinity Church for 49 years!
Furthermore, as was his style, he didn't want his passing to interfere with the pulse of the Church, especially on that one special day!
Unquestionably, the Church has lost a spiritual giant. Filling his shoes would be impossible. Yet, the best legacy and honor as we clergy
can bestow upon this departed vibrant priest, is to follow his example to be genuine servants of the Church, serving and pleasing both God
and His people, as Father Kosturos did for over half a century.
I know my life, as well as countless other fellow priests, has been enriched by the person of Father Anthony Kosturos, priest, brother,
teacher, mentor and friend. And for this I offer thanksgiving to God. May his memory remain eternal.
(Father Aristotle Damaskos, the young Proistamenos of the Toledo, Ohio Cathedral, submitted the above article for the July 2004 issue of
"The Epistle" - a publication from The Association of The Retired Greek Orthodox Clergy of America)
Questions regarding this article? Please send the historical society an email.
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