The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco offers its heartfelt congratulations to Theodore “Theo” Angelis of Seattle, Washington, on his appointment to the Washington State Supreme Court. Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Monday, March 9, 2026 that Angelis will succeed Justice Barbara Madsen following her retirement this spring.
For the faithful of the Metropolis, this appointment is a moment of great pride. Theo Angelis has long been recognized not only for his professional accomplishments as an attorney, but also for his deep faith, integrity, and lifelong commitment to service in the life of the Church.
The son of Rev. Father John Angelis and Presvytera Anna Angelis, Theo was raised in a home where faith and service were central to daily life. Growing up within the ministries of the Metropolis, he was actively involved in youth programs and parish life, experiences that helped shape both his spiritual formation and his commitment to leadership in the Church. Today, he continues to live those same values together with his wife Kim and their 13-year-old twins, Katherine and John, passing on to the next generation the same love for faith and service that he received from his parents.
Within the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, Angelis has been a dedicated and faithful leader. He has served as an Advocate and Member of the Metropolis Council, offering thoughtful guidance and leadership in support of the ministries of the Metropolis. At his home parish of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle, he remains deeply involved in parish life, having served on the Parish Council and Endowment Board and also as a Sunday School teacher for many years.
In recognition of his devotion to the Church, Angelis was invested in 2022 as an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, receiving the Offikion of Ekdikos. As an Archon, he joins a distinguished body of stewards entrusted with the sacred responsibility of “Protecting the Future of Faith,” a calling he has embraced with seriousness and dedication throughout his life.
Professionally, Angelis brings more than two decades of legal experience to the Washington State Supreme Court. A partner at the international law firm K&L Gates, he has built a distinguished career focusing on appellate advocacy, intellectual property litigation, and complex legal matters. He is also widely respected for his pro bono work and for his dedication to expanding access to justice for vulnerable individuals and families.
Reflecting on this milestone, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco shared: “Theo Angelis has lived a life guided by faith, integrity, and service. As the son of a priest, he understands deeply that leadership is inseparable from responsibility and humility. Throughout his life he has remained devoted to the Church, to his family, and to the pursuit of justice. We congratulate him on this significant appointment and pray that God will grant him wisdom and strength as he undertakes this important responsibility.”
The clergy and faithful of the Metropolis extend their warm congratulations to Theo Angelis and his family on this distinguished appointment. His example reflects the enduring influence of faith, family, and service, and stands as an inspiration for future generations of Orthodox Christians who seek to serve both the Church and society with integrity and vision.
AXIOS!
Source: sanfran.goarch.org / Photos Courtesy of Office of the Governor, State of Washington.
