Remembering Father Gordon Walker of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

V Rev Fr Gordon Thomas Walker

Source: Orthodox Christian Laity

Remembering Father Gordon Walker of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

Orthodox Christian Laity is truly blessed to have had the gentle, humble and Christ-centered guidance of the Very Reverend Father Gordon Thomas Walker. He served on our advisory board for many years and spoke at many Annual Meetings and Open Forums. We were blessed to have been his guests in Franklin, TN, his home community, two years ago. He and Khouria Mary Sue were the founding members of this most dynamic Orthodox Christian Community of St Ignatius, and he served as the pastor for many years, and was Pastor Emeritus. They had the vision to purchase the land, and a whole community grew around the Church that they established with the help of many. This community is his legacy.

Father Gordon came to Orthodoxy with the Evangelical Christians who were seeking the roots of the Church. They were on a quest and study for many years and finally “came home to Orthodoxy” through the Antiochian Archdiocese in 1987. Father Gordon and Father Peter Gillquist of blessed memory were both on our advisory board and helped us grow in our faith and commitment to mission and outreach by conveying their journey to us. Father Gordon also supported the work of missionary priests around the world, especially Fr Daniel Byantoro in Indonesia. Through Fr Gordon, our perspective on the work of the Church as a mission throughout the world was expanded.

Fr Gordon always spoke in a soft tone and in a deliberate way. We always knew we were in the presence of a holy and exemplary churchman when we had fellowship with him. We knew that these last few years were difficult for him health-wise. But Father Gordon embraced his suffering and trusted in the Lord. He was positive and faithful in life and in accepting what the will of the Lord was for him.

We are saddened by his falling asleep, but we are enriched and blessed for and by his guidance. May his memory be eternal. We will not forget your example.

George Matsoukas, Executive Director

A 2008 email from Fr Gordon Walker with the subject line: “My Testimonial for the OCL”:Dear George,The following is written with genuine sincerity.

When I was requested to serve on the Advisory Board of the OCL (Orthodox Christian Laity) I knew very little about the organization. However, after attending two or three board meetings I was deeply impressed with the genuine love for the Orthodox faith that I saw in many of the board members. Many of them have made great personal sacrifices financially and emotionally in behalf of their Church. As the years go by, I believe the OCL will become increasingly important in its influence among the Orthodox Laity as well as to those outside the Church. I am very grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to serve on the advisory board. May He continue to give wisdom and guidance to the leadership of this Board and may He richly repay all who sacrificially serve Him through this important organization.

Fr. Gordon Thomas Walker, Pastor Emeritus, St. Ignatius Orthodox Church,
Franklin, TN and President and Founder of Grace Ministries, Inc.