Menelaos Trigonis was born in Veria, Greece on October 6, 1932. Even in childhood, those who met and knew Menelaos recognized his extraordinarily humble, gentle, and God-loving heart. He exhibited talent in music, and, as a young boy, was given a box to stand on to chant and read in church. He grew up with a deep sense of responsibility to support his family, always with great sensitivity, true selflessness, and deep respect. After high school, he attended the University Ecclesiastical Academy of Thessaloniki and became the head instructor and principal of a small school in Veria. Simultaneously, he pursued studies in Byzantine chant. He studied with the renowned Patriarchal Protopsaltis Karamanis and Protopsaltis Pringo. To further his education, Menelaos left Greece for Canada with two of his brothers, and later moved to America. Inspired by the promise of the growing lucrative field of computers, he reconsidered his goals in academia and began working in the computer industry for Burroughs Corporation in Pasadena, California. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Aspasia (Esther) Mavredakis. They married, and a year later, Menelaos and Esther became parents to their only son, Constantine.

While working the graveyard shift at Burroughs (later Unisys), Menelaos was in charge of running programs on their main frame computer. After working through the night, Menelaos would only take a catnap before going to church services the next morning. His reasoning was that he didn't want to go into a deep sleep and be groggy during the services. While working and raising a family, he never stopped chanting at church services, weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

When his employer closed its local operation in Southern California, Menelaos did not want to relocate his family on account of his job, so he chose to expand his education by obtaining a degree in business from the University of Redlands. After working at various businesses such as Faith Center and Vulcan Materials, Menelaos chose to focus his entire attention on his love of chanting. He chanted at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, CA for many years. He was later given the title of Protospaltis by the late Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory and chanted at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA.

In 2011, Menelaos suffered a tragic car accident that caused extensive injuries. In the beginning, when Menelaos was still able to communicate, he made the decision to dedicate the remainder of his life to God in a new way. With the blessing of his wife, he received his monastic schema and the name Fr. Athanasios. Though he was never able to live as a monk in a monastery, his care center bed became his monastic cell, and his physical struggle became his monastic struggle. As time went on, Fr. Athanasios' health steadily declined. He bravely endured the aftermath of the accident until his death, which came over a decade later.

Menelaos (Fr. Athanasios) fell asleep in the Lord on October 5, 2021, the day before his 89th birthday.

He is survived by his beloved wife Esther, his son Constantine and his family, and his siblings Solon, Kimon, and Elizabeth (along with their families), who will miss him dearly.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends who offered their support over the years, as well as his attentive and caring doctor and care staff.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, 4784 N. St. Joseph's Way, Florence, AZ 85132.

Funeral Service:

Saturday, October 9, 2021
Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery
4784 N. St. Joseph's Way
Florence, Arizona 85132

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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