Fr. Thomas Hopko of St Vladimir's

Overview

Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko was born on March 28, 1939, in Endicott, New York. He studied at Fordham University, St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and Duquesne University, later earning a doctorate from Fordham.

He taught dogmatic theology at St Vladimir's Seminary for many years and served as its dean from 1992 to 2002. Through his books, lectures, and recordings — including his widely circulated “55 Maxims” for the Christian life — he became one of the most influential and accessible English-language Orthodox teachers of his generation.

He reposed on March 18, 2015, in Wexford, Pennsylvania.

Life in Brief

1. 1939

   Born in New York

   Thomas John Hopko is born on March 28, 1939, in Endicott, New York. source ↗

2. 1960

   Fordham University

   He completes his undergraduate studies at Fordham University. source ↗

3. 1960s

   Seminary and ordination

   He studies at St Vladimir's Seminary and is ordained to the priesthood, beginning his pastoral and teaching ministry. source ↗

4. 1969

   Duquesne University (M.A.)

   He earns a master's degree from Duquesne University. source ↗

5. 1982

   Doctorate from Fordham

   He completes his doctorate at Fordham University. source ↗

6. 1992–2002

   Dean of St Vladimir's Seminary

   He serves as dean of St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. source ↗

7. 2015

   Repose in the Lord

   Father Thomas reposes on March 18, 2015, in Wexford, Pennsylvania. source ↗

Works by Fr. Thomas Hopko

• The Orthodox Faith — A four-volume catechetical series (Doctrine, Worship, Bible & Church History, Spirituality).
• The Lenten Spring — Reflections for the season of Great Lent.
• Christian Faith and Same-Sex Attraction — A pastoral treatment of a contemporary question.
• If We Confess Our Sins — On repentance and confession.
• The 55 Maxims — His widely shared list of practical counsels for the Christian life.

About Fr. Thomas Hopko

• St Vladimir's Seminary — memorial pages — Remembrances of his life, teaching, and deanship.

Historical Significance

Father Thomas Hopko was perhaps the most accessible Orthodox catechist for modern English-speaking Christians — a teacher whose clarity, warmth, and economy of words formed clergy, converts, and laity far beyond the seminary classroom.

Related Figures

• Fr Alexander Schmemann — His teacher, father-in-law, and predecessor in shaping Orthodox theological education in America.
• St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary — Where he taught for decades and served as dean.
• Ancient Faith Ministries — The platform through which many of his talks reached a wide audience.