Memory Eternal: Father Anthony Tomaras

We are very sad to report that Reverend E. Anthony Tomaras one of the founders of our Saint Nectarios Church has gone to his Lord on December 25, 2012. In January of 1980 he started his missionary work in the Mid-Columbia Region. On the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple (Feb. 2, 1980) Father Anthony served the first Divine Liturgy at what later was to known as Saint Nectarios.

The early services were in people’s home, backyards, community centers, and borrowed churches. In January 1987, Father Anthony arranged for the purchase of the current St. Nectarios Church structure (a former law office), and regular twice monthly services began. The mission Church now had 4,000 sq. ft of air-conditioned space with meeting rooms, a kitchen, a social/dining room, classrooms and a chapel. His wife, Presvytera Sophronia Tomaras painted the icons for the chapel.

In all, Father Anthony served Saint Nectarios over a period of 20 years, offering the Divine Liturgy twice a month and on major Feast Days. The tireless efforts of both Father Anthony and Presvytera Sophronia Tomaras were much appreciated – and they were greatly loved and respected by all that knew them. They retired from active ministry following the Divine Liturgy on August 13, 2000.

Presvytera Sophronia preceeded Father Anthony in death. We loved them both, and hope they are now together in a better place. May their memory be eternal!