Chris Katharios' story is that of a successful restuarant owner, real estate investor, and that of hard work leading to a position of leadership within the Greek community.

Mr. Katharios was a member of the original board of trustees of St. Sophia. Without his leadership and generosity, St. Sophia would have never been able to purchase the Valencia Street Theater. He was actively involved with many business organizations in San Francisco and he was one of the first Greek businessmen to join the Masons. Business leaders as well as clergy relied on his leadership and business acumen to guide them through difficult periods during the 1920s and 1930s.

Chris Katharios had no children. When we developed this family profile we contacted relatives of Mrs. Katharios and individuals that had memories of the couple. We are very grateful to the Speros and Correris family for sharing their photographs and many memories of this extraordinary man who gave so much to the Greek community. Please see the Katharios Virtual Photo Album.

Coming to America

Chris Katharios was born January 1, 1884 and is from Sparta. He emigrated to the United States in 1909 and settled in San Francisco in 1911. Chris opened a restuarant, Chris' Grill, on the corner of 6th and Market shortly after he arrived. His restuarant was very successful.

Marriage

Chris married Maria Pappanikolaou in 1914. A few months later, the couple moved into a home on 728 Mason Street, close to the top of Nob Hill. Maria worked at the restuarant as a cashier.

As with many Greeks during this period, Mr. Katharios had strongly held political beliefs for the Venizelist movement in Greece. As division grew within the San Francisco Greek community, Mr. Katharios was a voice for a new church under the new Archbishop of Athens appointed by Prime Minister Venizelos, Meletios Metaxakis.

From 1916 to 1921, Mr. Katharios participated in planning meetings for St. Sophia Cathedral; facilities consisting of a cathedral, school, and orphanage. When plans were finalized and land was purchased on Hayes, Pierce, and Fell Streets, Mr. Katharios had an active role on the St. Sophia Fund Raising Committee and was selected to be a member of the board of trustees. By the end of December 1921, St. Sophia had become a reality.

The 1920s and 1930s

After marriage, the couple went through a period of great prosperity. Chris quickly gained a reputation as very smart businessman who made excellent investments. He joined the Hellenic Liberal League and the Greek American League. Mr. Katharios was one of the first Greek businessmen in San Francisco to join the Masons.

Chris was one of few Greeks who did well during the Great Depression. This was primarily due to an investment philosophy that property was a better investment. He also believed that borrowing and carrying debt did more harm than good.

Chris served on the St.Sophia parish council. In March 1928, St. Sophia voted to move from the location on Hayes, Pierce, and Fell Streets to the Valencia Street location. The Valencia Street Theater was purchased for $47,000. Katharios and Dravillas donated $18,500 towards the purchase price.

During the depression, Bishop Kallistos (the first bishop of San Francisco) moved to Chicago because the Greek community could not support a bishop. While Bishop Kallistos was in Chicago, Chris served as the bishop's representative executing his instructions. He was well known to the Greek community.

Retirement

Chris decided to retire shortly after World War II. Mr. & Mrs. Katharios sold their home at 728 Mason and bought a smaller home in Diamond Heights. After retirement, Mr. & Mrs. Katharios divided their time between their San Francisco home and a summer home in Los Altos.

Chris focused his energies on real estate investments. In addition, through the invitation of Archbishop Athenagoras, Chris became a part of a committee looking at sites for future churches within the San Francisco Diocese.

A Tragic Ending

On the first weekend in April, 1951, the Katharios' spent the weekend at their home in Los Altos. On April 6, 1951 Mrs. Katharios asked her husband to go the grocery store to pick up some items for dinner. Sadly, as Mr. Katharios was walking across the street he was hit by a driver, a young man, and passed away from his injuries. He was 67 years old. Mr. Katharios' passing was a tragic loss for the Greek community.

Mr. Katharios' funeral service was given at Annunciation. Archbishop Athenagoras' presided over the service and eulogized his love for his family, his dedication to the church and the Greek community.

Mrs. Katharios

After her husband's passing, Mrs. Katharios sold their home in Los Altos. She decided to live in their home in Diamond Heights. In later years she moved to the Laurel Heights district. Mrs. Katharios remained an active member of Annunciation until she passed away November 29, 1978 at the age of 90.

A Lasting Legacy

Mr. & Mrs. Katharios left a lasting legacy. When members of the cathedral look at the ornate wood carved stands and epitafiou donated by them that bear the Katharios name in Greek, they are reminded of this extraordinary man who gave so much to the church and the Greek community.

Top Photograph Banner
Left to right: Chris Katharios Wedding Photo, 1914; Chris Katharios wearing Masons Fez, ca. 1915; Chris & Maria Pappanikolaou Katharios, 1920s; Mr. Katharios with Bishop Kallistos, Fr. Caravellas, John Simos, George Evangelou at St. Sophia, ca. 1925; Mr. Katharios, 1940s.

Contacting Relatives of the Katharios Family
If you have any comments regarding this article, please forward them to our webmaster and we will forward your message. Thank you.