Very Reverend Father Christo B Christoff, 84, passed away on Jan 31, 2010, at Serenity Hospice, Phoenix, AZ. Born in Bulgaria September 14, 1925, Father Christoff served as a Bulgarian Orthodox Priest for 53 years primarily at St. Thomas Eastern Orthodox Church in Akron, OH. He and his wife retired to the Phoenix area in 1996, where he became a beloved member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. He is survived by his wife Mary, his two sisters, his three daughters, his grandson, granddaughter, and great grandson. Visitation hours are from 5-7 pm with Service following on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 and Divine Liturgy from 10:00-11:30 am, followed by a luncheon on Thursday, February 4, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 4530 E. Gold Dust, Phoenix. Donations may be made in his memory to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.
kaylin
I read about Christos’ passing and wanted to offer words of encouragement. No matter how old we get, death is so difficult for us. I lost my dear Grandmother at 100 years of age last year and she wanted to keep living. Why is it never natural for us to die? The bible states: “he has put eternity into our minds,” what do you think that means? Do you think that maybe God meant originally for us to live forever right here on the earth? Gods words to the Adam and Eve certainly prove this too. How wonderful to know Jesus died for our sins so that this possibility is open to us sinful humans again. Jesus said, “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out…” John 5:28,29. How encouraging to know that when our loved ones are resurrected they have the possibility of living forever like God originally purposed. Revelation 21:3,4 I hope you can find comfort from Gods future promises at this difficult time. Sincerely, kalylin
Julie E. Elia
To the Christoff Family,
Please accept my warmest condolences for Father Christoff. He was a great person and I think of him fondly. We will all miss him.
Julie Elia
Chris & Julia Elia
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Paula Flores & Douglas Krupp
May the memories held deep within your heart
help to soothe your spirit at this difficult time.
You’re in my prayers.
Yvonne Vranes
Your loving kindness and joyful smile will be missed, Father Christo. Vjecnaja Pomjat; Memory Eternal…
Yvonne Vranes
Your loving kindness and joyful smile will be missed, Father Christo. Vjecnaja Pomjat; Memory Eternal…
Gordy & Gail flint
Our hearts are saddened by Father Cristoff”s death. He was a very special person here in Palm lakes village. His smile and positive attitude will be missed. Our prayers for Mary and family.
sincerely, the flints
Andrea Kostoff Sarina
My grandparents were Tom & Stoyna Kostoff and my parents are John & Rose Marie Kostoff — I was sadden to hear about the passing of Father Christoff. I remember fondly going to church at St. Thomas while visiting my grand mother and being treated so wonderfully by Father Christoff. He always knew who I was even if I had not seen him in years (my father was active duty US Army). He was at my wedding and said the blessing over the meal at the dinner — Today I know he is in heaven with my Baba and Dedo — God Bless Father Christoff an my sincere condolenses to your family
Ralph & Jeanette Clair
May His Memory Be Eternal. Fr. Christoff was a wonderful man and he will be missed. Our prayers are with the family.
Jeanette & Ralph Clair
Bill Christoff
To Fr. Christoff’s daughters,
I don’t know if you remember me or not, but I spent a lot of time in Akron working with Bishop Simeon and your father in the 80’s as part of the mixed council. Your father was an amazing man and I am truly saddened by his passing. I know he has been ill for a while but that does not make his passing any less painful for you. I read a quote once that said when you die a part of you goes into the heart of all you have touched. Your father touched many people during his life. He will remain in my heart and many more.
May his memory truly be eternal!
Penny (Christoff) Clift
To Fr. Christoff’s family:
It has been many years that I was in Akron working with Bishop Simeon and your father on sharing our Holy Week and Easter music that I had compiled into English with the other churches in our diocese. Your father always teased my family saying “somehow, with the same last name, we have got to be related.” He was such an inspirational man and was so kind and loving. He was truly touched by God & brought much to our Orthodox churches in our diocese. His place in heaven will be radiant. May God bless his soul.
Carma Jean Rausch
It was only today, May 30, that I heard of Father Christo Christoff’s death. On behalf on The MacGahan American Bulgarian Foundation of New Lexington, Ohio I send condolences and want to express our gratitude for his years of officiating the Memorial Service of Januarius MacGahan each June in New Lexington. We will remember him at this year’s MacGahan Festival weekend June 11-12, 2010.