Chicago, May 14, 2026
Photo: Chicago Police Dept—Facebook
Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America delivered a funeral eulogy for Officer John Bartholomew at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago on Friday, honoring the fallen officer and Orthodox Christian who was killed in the line of duty.
Officer John Bartholomew, 38, a 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was killed April 25 in a shooting at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital.
“We gather in this holy church grieving the death of Officer John Bartholomew: beloved husband, devoted father, cherished son and brother, faithful member of the Church, loyal friend, and courageous officer of the Chicago Police Department,” Met. Nathanael said. “His death has pierced the hearts of his beloved wife Renee and their precious children, Oliver, Miles, and Sophia.”
The Metropolitan opened his remarks with the traditional Paschal greeting, “Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!” “We proclaim this not as a custom or mere religious slogan, but because the Resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything—even the way we stand before death itself.”
Met. Nathanael described Bartholomew as having learned early that “life finds its meaning not in self-preservation, but in self-offering.” The officer carried the name of his grandfather, the late Fr. John Kutulas, and served as an altar boy at the church.
Photo: Chicago Police Dept—Facebook
“Those who knew Officer Bartholomew speak not only of his courage, but of his gentleness, humility, compassion, and calm presence in difficult situations,” the Metropolitan said. “Even after exhausting shifts and sleepless nights, he continued to give himself completely to the people entrusted to his care.”
He continued: “The vocation of the first responder—the police officer, firefighter, paramedic, and others who place themselves between danger and human life—requires far more than strength or skill alone. It requires the heart to love, the courage to sacrifice, and the soul to place oneself at the service of another human being.”
Met. Nathanael spoke about the Bartholomew family’s response to the tragedy. “Even amid unimaginable grief, they speak not of revenge and retribution, but of repentance and reconciliation,” he said. “Their prayer is that the person responsible for John’s death might come to stand truthfully before God and seek forgiveness and healing for the brokenness and darkness that gave rise to such violence.”
The Metropolitan acknowledged the need for justice while emphasizing a different path: “Society must uphold justice seriously and responsibly… But justice alone cannot heal the wounded heart. Only love can do that.”
The eulogy was delivered before Mayor Johnson, Superintendent Snelling, elected officials, members of the Chicago Police Department, and the Bartholomew family, including his parents Kiki and George, and siblings Jimmy and Paula.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe and Gab!
