Sunday, August 8th, 2021 

Dear Ascension Community,

Our beloved Rev. Father Thomas J. Paris passed away peacefully at home this morning following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Father Tom Paris embodied the heart and soul of the Ascension Greek Orthodox Community in Oakland for 50 years. His service to the local community and the Greek Orthodox Church in America was a shining example to all our fellow clergy.

Fr. Tom’s dedication and his love impacted over three generations of Greek Orthodox Christians in the Bay Area. He was part of everyone’s family. Our sympathy, love, and prayers go out to his wife, Presvytera Vaso, his children, and grandchildren.

May his memory be eternal.

In the resurrected Christ,

Father Tom Z