The Guests of the ORTHOCHAT
We are thankful for the guests who have given their time to be interviewed on the ORTHOCHAT. Please consider supporting them and their parishes using the information below.
FR. CHRIS JOHNSON (episode 80)
holy apostles orthodox church
Father Christopher (“Chris”) Johnson serves as a priest at Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Beltsville, Maryland, part of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), Eastern American Diocese, where all services are celebrated in English.
A dedicated co-rector alongside Archpriest George Johnson, Fr. Chris shares pastoral responsibilities and plays an active role in parish life. He notably officiated services during the parish’s 23rd anniversary celebration on July 13—which took place on the Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles—and participated in the joyful festal agape meal that followed.
Fr. Chris’s home and family have weathered hardship in recent times: on Thursday, August 20, his apartment burned down, causing extensive damage and displacing him, Matushka Dorothy Johnson, and their children, Daniel and Charlotte Anne. The community has been called to provide practical support and prayers for the family’s recovery.
Fr. Chris serves the Holy Apostles Orthodox community with compassion and commitment—supporting its mission to establish its historic chapel campus as a vibrant spiritual home. With his pastoral presence and personal resilience, he exemplifies steadfast faith and care in both ministry and life.
FR. STEVEN CLARK (Episode 79)
st innocent of alaska orthodox church
Fr. Stephen Clark serves as the rector of St. Innocent of Alaska Orthodox Church in Silverdale, Washington. Born the son of a Baptist minister in Florida, Fr. Stephen grew up surrounded by faith, music, and Scripture. His love of sacred music led him to study both music and theology, and it was through this passion that he first encountered the beauty of Orthodox worship. A recording of the Russian choir singing Rachmaninov’s Vespers left a lasting impression, sparking a journey that would eventually bring him to the Orthodox Church.
In his spiritual search, Fr. Stephen traveled to Russia, where the richness of Orthodox liturgy, tradition, and community deepened his sense of calling. After returning to the United States, he embraced the Orthodox faith and discerned the path to the priesthood. He has since dedicated his life to serving the Church and guiding others on their journey with Christ.
At St. Innocent’s, Fr. Stephen is known for his pastoral warmth, engaging teaching, and musical gifts, which continue to enrich parish life and worship. He brings a heart for evangelism and spiritual formation, encouraging both lifelong Orthodox Christians and those newly discovering the faith to live deeply rooted in prayer, Scripture, and the sacramental life of the Church.
Through his ministry, Fr. Stephen seeks to embody the example of St. Innocent of Alaska: bringing the timeless truth of Orthodoxy into the hearts of people in today’s world with humility, love, and joy.
FR. ANDREAS VITHOULKAS (episode 78)
St. George Tropeoforos Greek Orthodox Church
Father Andreas was born in Flushing, NY in 1972. He attended he Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church in Flushing, and graduated from the William Spyropoulos Day School. He graduated in 1994 from Hellenic College (with distinction) with a BA in Religious Studies. In 1998 he graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, receiving a M.Div. (with high distinction). In 2001, he married Anthoula Hatzimihalis, and they were blessed with twin sons, Nikolas and Petros in 2005. He was ordained to the Diaconate and Priesthood in 2007, and was immediately appointed Assistant to the then Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Bishop Savas of Troas (now Metropolitan of Pittsburgh.
In 2014 he was awarded the rank of Economos and in 2017 that of Protopresbyter. Between the years 2007 and 2019, he served as Assistant Priest and Presiding Priest in three parishes in Hempstead, NY, Bridgeport, CT, and Brookville, NY. In 2020, he was appointed Presiding Priest of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Manhattan, NY.
In 2019, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America appointed him Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and he continues to serve in that position to this day.
FR. JOHN A. PECK (episode 77)
all saints of america orthodox church
Fr. John A. Peck is the pastor of All Saints of North America Orthodox Church in Youngtown, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. He serves under the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR).
Fr. Peck has made significant contributions to Orthodox Christian education and media. He is the founder of Journey to Orthodoxy, a platform dedicated to assisting individuals on their path to the Orthodox faith. Additionally, he established the Preachers Institute, an online resource aimed at enhancing homiletics and preaching within the Orthodox Church.
He is also the creator of Good Guys Wear Black, a website designed to provide resources and guidance for men discerning a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate.
Fr. Peck is an Amazon #1 best-selling author, having written several works including Called To Serve, Divine Liturgy: A Student Study Text, and S.W.A.T. (Spiritual Warfare And Training).
Abbot Tryphon (Episode 75)
All-Merciful Saviour Monastery
Abbot Tryphon (born Nicholas Parsons) serves as Abbot and spiritual father of All‑Merciful Saviour Monastery on Vashon Island, Washington, under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR). He assumed leadership of the monastery in 1988, two years after its founding in 1986 by Archimandrite Dmitri, and moved it to its secluded 16‑acre forested grounds on Maury Island in Puget Sound. Formerly a licensed psychologist with a youthful involvement in Trotskyist activism, he found in Orthodox monasticism the spiritual depth and tradition he longed for, and was drawn from Lutheranism into the Russian Orthodox Church in mid‑life. Under his guidance the monastery has cultivated sustainable agriculture—including gardens, vineyards, bees—and supports itself through artisanal goods like Monastery Blend coffee, prayer ropes, and printed works. Abbot Tryphon also hosts the widely followed blog and podcast “The Morning Offering,” which has been published as a best‑selling daily meditation book by Ancient Faith Publishing and reaches thousands globally.
Fr. John Chakos (Episode 74)
Orthodox Christian Mission Center
Father John Chakos (Protopresbyter) is a Pittsburgh‑born priest who served Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. Lebanon, PA, for 31 years before retiring in 2011 . For over three decades he has played an instrumental role in the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), serving two terms as President of its Board of Missions during which the agency expanded into a Pan‑Orthodox mission body under the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops in America. Since retirement, Fr. John and Presbytera Alexandra Chakos have dedicated much of their time to supporting Mayan communities in Guatemala. Fr. John works as an OCMC Mission Specialist and field representative overseeing the formation of indigenous clergy, coordinating long‑term missionaries and teams, and supervising construction and staffing of village churches and the Fr. Andrés Girón Medical/Dental Clinic. He is the father of four and grandfather to fifteen, residing in Pittsburgh when not serving in Guatemala.
Fr. John Tomasi (Episode 73)
Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church
Fr. John Tomasi serves in the Orthodox Church in America within the Diocese of the West. Based in Los Angeles, he brings both pastoral experience and a strong liturgical presence to his ministry. Fr. John studied Theatre at Eastern Michigan University and later pursued further education at San Francisco State University. His artistic background informs his thoughtful approach to preaching, community engagement, and the sacramental life of the Church.
He is committed to fostering spiritual growth, supporting parish life, and upholding the rich traditions of Orthodox Christianity in a modern context.
Fr. Thomas Frisby (Episode 72)
Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church
Born Robert Frisby, Fr. Thomas’s journey to Orthodox Christianity is a testament to faith and transformation. He initially served as a Southern Baptist minister, marrying Laurel in 1980 and raising three daughters within that tradition. His spiritual life was shaped in part by tragedy: the loss of his identical twin drove him and his family toward deeper Christian commitment. His transition from Baptist pastor to Orthodox priest began with exploration and deep discernment of liturgical tradition. Eventually, he and his wife Laurel entered the Eastern Orthodox Church in 2009, ultimately finding their spiritual home within the Orthodox Church in America
In 2014, Fr. Thomas was appointed to serve Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ, a parish under the OCA Diocese of the West .
Since then, he has become known for deeply engaging Sunday homilies and sermons grounded in Orthodox tradition, regularly preaching on themes of spiritual life, discipleship, and scripture—as seen throughout his sermons in 2023–2025
Fr. george chioros (episode 71)
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. George Chioros has faithfully served the Greek Orthodox Church for over 30 years, with a ministry spanning Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, and the broader Orthodox community. A native of the Chicago suburbs, he earned his B.A. in Religious Studies from Hellenic College in 1986 and his Master of Divinity with Distinction from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1989.
Ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 1989, Fr. George began his ministry at Holy Trinity in Chicago, later pastoring parishes in Lanham, MD; Roanoke, VA; and currently Newport News, VA. At each assignment, he has led major parish development efforts, including the building of a new church and community center in Maryland and extensive outreach in underserved areas of southwest Virginia.
Since 1999, Fr. George has led the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News. He is a committed ecumenist, columnist, blood donor, and board member across numerous church and civic organizations, including the Orthodox Metropolis Council, the Archdiocesan Council, and Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. He also serves as a chaplain at the Hampton VA Hospital and has held leadership roles in the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center and the Virginia Council of Churches.
fr. theodore lyketsos (Episode 70)
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Rev. Father Theodore Lyketsos was born to Constantine and Manon Lyketsos in 1992 and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. After a period of spiritual search, he embraced his native Orthodox faith at the age of 19 while studying at Georgetown University, where he graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor's degree in Russian. Upon graduation, he immediately enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he received his Master of Divinity degree in May 2019. Fr. Theodore was ordained to the priesthood on April 17, 2021 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, Virginia, where he served as Associate Priest for two years. In 2023, he was appointed Presiding Priest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Roanoke, Virginia.
fr. stephen kaznica (episode 69)
The Orthodox Church of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia
Fr. Stephen Kaznica currently serves as Rector of The Orthodox Church of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Norwich, CT—a parish under the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia .
His role centers on leading liturgies, teaching, pastoral care, and managing parish life.
He supports a vibrant community drawn by the parish’s missionary outreach, spiritual education, and devotion to the New Martyrs of Russia. Though now focused in Norwich, Fr. Stephen’s pastoral identity is closely linked to this unique ROCOR community dedicated to remembering those who suffered faithfully under Communist persecution.
fr. dcn. patrick cain (Episode 68)
Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church
Rev. Deacon Patrick Cain serves at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church under the Romanian Episcopate of the Orthodox Church in America, based in Buckeye / Phoenix, AZ.
As a deacon, he assists liturgically, with pastoral care, youth formation, and mission work in support of parish ministries.
FR. DCN. Harry pappas (episode 66)
ARchangels greek orthodox church
A native of St. Louis, Fr. Harry grew up at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. He is a graduate of Davidson College, Holy Cross School of Theology, Harvard Divinity School, and Yale University, where he earned a Ph.D. in the Old Testament. Along with 39 years of pastoral experience in various parishes (including Nashville, Minneapolis, and New Rochelle), he has taught courses in Biblical Hebrew at Yale; Old Testament, Pastoral Theology, Parish Administration, and Preaching at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and Holy Cross School of Theology. Fr. Harry has been involved in the mission field (short term in Albania, Mexico & Guatemala), ministry to the homeless (New York City and Stamford), and is a member of the Orthodox Theological Society of America (OTSA) and the International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA), as well as a variety of local ecumenical and interfaith organizations. He was a past Board member of Project Mexico and the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical & Cultural Research, and currently serves on the Advisory Boards of IOTA and the Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) at Holy Cross.
FR. Gregory Jensen (episodes 64 & 67)
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Orthodox Mission
Dr. Gregory Jensen is a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, serving as rector of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Orthodox Church on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus and as chaplain to Orthodox Christian Fellowship students . He also teaches pastoral theology and young adult faith formation at St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary in New Jersey.
He holds a Ph.D. in Spirituality and Spiritual Formation from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, specializing in psychological and pastoral care—especially in contexts of clergy misconduct and community healing .
Fr. Gregory was ordained over 25 years ago and celebrated a quarter-century of holy priesthood in 2021, honored with an ecclesiastical award during an archpastoral visit to his parish . His pastoral career includes service at multiple OCA parishes, including Redding, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Columbia, MD, as well as prior chaplaincies at universities in Pittsburgh and Madison .
He is also the author of The Cure for Consumerism, published by the Acton Institute, reflecting his integration of Orthodox theology with contemporary social and economic issues.
FR. david mccready (episode 63)
St Columba Antiochian Orthodox Church
Fr. David McCready was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and raised in the Church of Ireland, where he initially served as an Anglican priest before entering Orthodoxy.
He pursued advanced academic work in theology and history—earning a Ph.D. from Trinity College, Dublin—and later trained at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, completing a non-degree program in 2019.
On April 25, 2019, he was ordained to the diaconate, and subsequently to the priesthood on August 11, 2019, by Bishop John Abdallah at St. Columba Orthodox Church in Lafayette, CO.
Since his ordination, Fr. David has led St. Columba, a Western Rite parish within the Antiochian Archdiocese’s Western Rite Vicariate. He is known for bridging Anglican formation with Orthodox tradition, offering liturgies in the Western ceremonial style while grounded in the fullness of Eastern Orthodox theology
subdeacon john lawson (Episode 62)
st. marys orthodox mission
Subdeacon John Lawson serves as a dedicated minor cleric within the Orthodox Church, sharing his vocation and experience in leadership roles both in the altar and beyond pastoral walls. His ministry includes altar coordination, assisting in hierarchical services, and mentoring new servers—tasks rooted in a deep appreciation for Orthodox liturgical tradition.
fr. christian siskos (episode 61)
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Fr. Christian Siskos is a priest of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, currently serving at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, North Carolina—where he was ordained in October 2019 during a visit from Metropolitan Alexios.
Beyond parish ministry, Fr. Christian is an experienced digital communicator and interviewer. He is the host of the “Hidden Lives” podcast, which highlights Orthodox Christians in various careers, and the creative force behind Noetic Spring, his YouTube ministry channel.
Fr. Christian brings a forward-thinking approach to pastoral life—blending liturgical service with digital evangelism. He encourages faithful dialogue across disciplines and sees media as a vital tool in forming modern Orthodox identity.
fr. borjan vitanov (episode 60)
Holy Resurrection of Christ
Fr. Borjan Vitanov serves as the parish priest (Presbyter‑Economos) of the Holy Resurrection of Christ Serbian Orthodox Church in Lebanon, PA—one of the oldest Serbian Orthodox communities in the United States.
Founded in 1916 by Serbian immigrants, Holy Resurrection is celebrated for its historic interior frescoes painted by Svetozar Popovic. The parish thrives on a vibrant liturgical tradition and active community life in central Pennsylvania.
Fr. Vitanov has also been deeply involved in diocesan administration, serving as Presbyter‑Economos (functional head) of the district and participating in bodies such as the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Court and Diocese Council.
His work extends beyond his parish—attending to the needs of the faithful, fostering local Orthodox unity, and cooperating with neighboring clergy across denominational lines
fr. patrick cardine (Episode 59)
St. Patrick Orthodox Church
Fr. Patrick Cardine (b. 1967) pastors St. Patrick Orthodox Church in Bealeton (near Warrenton), Virginia, serving in the Antiochian Archdiocese’s Western Rite Vicariate. He is also the founder and administrator of The Orthodox West, a platform featuring Writings (Lorica), podcasts, and talks addressing Western Rite Orthodox theology and pastoral practice.
Raised in a devout Evangelical Christian household, Fr. Patrick began exploring historical Christianity in 1985 and was drawn into Orthodoxy through reading Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov . In 2006, he and a group of 43 were received into the Orthodox Church by Bishop Thomas of the Antiochian Archdiocese in Warrenton .
As pastor of St. Patrick's, he leads Western-style liturgies rooted in Orthodox theology, provides catechetical formation, and contributes to liturgical music projects, including parish choir recordings featured on Ancient Faith Radio . He also teaches at St. Athanasius Academy, offering a course titled “Compelling Conversations” to their high school community.
fr. michael lillie (episode 57)
Nativity of Christ Orthodox Church
Fr. Michael graduated St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary in South Canaan, PA. He was ordained to the priesthood on July, 7th, 2013 by His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion (ROCOR) where he served as a supply priest for a year before moving to the St. Louis area to serve a parish there for two years. Fr. Michael Lillie was assigned to serve our parish as rector in March 2016. He also served in the US Air Force Reserves as an Orthodox Chaplain and holds a secular position. He is available for pastoral visits, confession, and catechesis.
fr. evan evangelidis (episode 56)
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
The Rev. Father Evan Evangelidis has served as Pastor of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Stamford, CT since July 2011. In addition to sacramental, liturgical and administrative duties, his parish ministry consists of youth work, hospital visitations, pastoral work and Orthodox Christian education. Prior to his assignment at the Annunciation Church, Fr. Evan served as the Associate Pastor of the Archangel Michael Church in Roslyn/Port Washington, NY, as a Deacon at Holy Trinity Church in New Rochelle, NY and as the Deacon to His Eminence, Metropolitan EVANGELOS of New Jersey. He has also served as an Archivist and the Assistant to the Registrar of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Father Evan received a Master’s of Divinity (M. Div) from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He also holds a BA in History from the University of Chicago and a Master’s of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) from The Divinity School at Yale University, where he also taught, as a Teaching Fellow, for the Departments of History and Art History. He also did graduate work in History at Columbia University and in Adolescence Education at Mercy College. Father Evan also taught Byzantine History at the Center of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies at Queens College as an Adjunct Instructor. Father Evan also taught History and English at St. Raymond High School for Boys in the Bronx.
fr. gabreal mchugh (episode 55)
Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. Gabriel was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Sonoma State University in 2015, before moving to Boston, Massachusetts to attend Holy Cross School of Theology.
While living in Boston, Fr. Gabriel also completed a master’s degree in mathematics, taught middle school math at St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Christian School, and taught freshman math classes at Hellenic College. He graduated from Holy Cross with a Master’s of Divinity in May 2020. He and his family moved to Loveland in May 2020 to begin serving the parish of St. Spyridon.
Fr. Gabriel was ordained to the diaconate on October 25, 2020, and to the Priesthood on February 27, 2021 by his Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver.
Effective January 1, 2023, His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah has assigned Fr. Gabriel as the head priest to the parish of Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church.
FR. CHRISTOPHER CRETU (episode 54)
FR. CHRISTOPHER CRETU is an Orthodox priest based in Romania, where he actively engages in pastoral duties and spiritual guidance. His ministry extends beyond digital spaces, and frequently visits and highlights Romanian sacred sites, such as the cell of Saint Arsenie Boca in the Făgăraș Mountains, Sihăstria Monastery for venerating relics of saints like Cleopa Ilie and Paisie Olaru, and Hozeva Monastery linked to Romanian saints, underscoring his deep connection to his homeland's spiritual heritage.
Through his X posts, Father Christopher weaves timeless wisdom from saints like John Chrysostom, Cyril of Jerusalem, Silouan the Athonite, and Romanian figures such as Sofian Boghiu and Dumitru Stăniloae, emphasizing themes of humility, prayer, forgiveness, and resistance to sin. He encourages communal spiritual practices, such as organizing groups to read the Book of Psalms daily, and warns against vices like pride, envy, and judgment, urging followers to seek inner peace through faith and repentance.
fr. onouphry keith (Episode 53)
St. Thomas the Apostle orthodox church
Archpriest Onouphry Keith served for many years as rector of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Fletcher, NC, within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Eastern American Diocese, before his retirement. He later became the missionary pastor and founding cleric of the St. Thomas the Apostle Mission in the North Carolina Triad area, including Lewisville and Tobaccoville .
A gifted architect by trade, Fr. Onouphry oversaw the design and construction of the memorial chapel in the vineyard, Chapel of the Righteous Anna, near Fletcher—ensuring it met all canonical requirements and traditional Eastern Orthodox orientation .
Under his pastoral leadership, St. Thomas Mission grew rapidly—from its modest founding in July 2019 to the consecration of a permanent church building in Tobaccoville in October 2022. Despite ongoing health concerns in 2021–22, Fr. Onouphry continued pastoral care through catechesis, confessions, and guidance, while sharing liturgical duties with visiting clergy.
fr. dcn. stephen frase (episode 52)
ST GREGORY OF NYSSA ORTHODOX CHURCH
Fr. Stephen Frase serves as the rector of St. Gregory of Nyssa Orthodox Church in Lewis Center, OH, near Columbus, under the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the Midwest. He is also deeply involved in campus ministry, advising Orthodox Christian Fellowships (OCFs) at Ohio State University, Denison University, and Ohio University.
Prior to his full‐time priestly ministry, Fr. Frase worked as a science teacher in the Olentangy Local School District north of Columbus—a role that grounds his pastoral approach in educational engagement and mentorship.
He is a prominent voice in evangelism and parish development within the OCA, having co-chaired the Parish Development Forum, and served on interfaith and civic boards through his diocesan and ecumenical outreach.
Fr. Stephen is well-known for his theological reflections and pastoral writings on Orthodox evangelism, authentic ministry, and communicating faith. His presentation “Communicating Your Faith,” delivered at the 2014 Small Parish Forum, proposed an Orthodox model defined by authenticity and transcendent witness—drawing from his educational and spiritual experience.
fr. peter simko (episode 51)
St. Innocent Church
Fr. Peter Simko serves under the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the Midwest and was appointed rector of St. Innocent Orthodox Church in the Cleveland area.
Simko grew up rooted in the Orthodox tradition, deepening in faith during his college years. Before embracing full-time ministry, he built a career as a civil engineer; later, he entered St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he served as treasurer of the Orthodox Inter‑Seminary Movement (OISM) during his formation.
On November 21, 2020, Deacon Peter Simko was ordained to the priesthood, receiving the name Presbyter Panayiotis, during a hierarchal service held at St. Tikhon’s Monastery by Bishop Alexis of Sitka and Alaska.
fr. gregory horton (episode 50)
Holy Myrrhbearing Women Orthodox Mission
Fr. Gregory Horton nurtures a vibrant Orthodox community in Post Falls and expanded mission work into Spokane Valley and beyond. Originally born into a Roman Catholic family in Newark, New Jersey, he felt a calling to priesthood from a young age. After studying music at St. Vincent College and serving in the U.S. Air Force Band, he rediscovered his spiritual vocation and embraced Orthodoxy.
He pursued seminary formation at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, earning master’s degrees in Music and Divinity. Ordained soon after, he served at a parish in Pennsylvania before requesting missionary assignment. In 1996, he and his wife Cynthia moved to North Idaho and founded the Orthodox presence there, growing from a meeting in a realtor’s office to a thriving parish with 13‑acre grounds and ongoing outreach ventures.
Fr. Gregory has led multiple mission trips, including teaching Orthodox fundamentals in Tanzania, Guatemala, and Romania. In 2004, he and his team taught Orthodox Christian life skills in Rubale, Tanzania—learning from and contributing to simple, authentic community life.
fr. dr. gregory joyce (episode 58)
st. vladimir orthodox church
Fr. Gregory was born on October 6, 1968 in Columbia, MO to Dr. B. Patrick Joyce and Katherine Joyce (Grigorieff). He is the first of two children (his sister, Anna, was a parishioner of St. Vladimir’s during her school years at the University of Michigan). Fr. Gregory’s family moved to Houghton, MI in the early 1970s. His father is an Emeritus Professor of Economics at Michigan Technological University there, while his mother is a retired X-Ray Technician. Fr. Gregory completed his elementary and secondary education in the Houghton-Portage Township school system, occupying himself more with sports than with academic pursuits. Despite this, following his graduation from Houghton High School he was accepted at the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a BA in Education in 1992. On August 8th of that year he married Beth Balma (of Hancock, MI). The new couple spent a year in Ann Arbor as Fr. Gregory studied in the intensive Russian language program of the University of Michigan Residential College. In 1993 he was accepted at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. In 1994 he was ordained a Deacon by then Archbishop Laurus (the later First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia). On St. George’s Day (April 23/May 6) of 1995 he was ordained a priest, again by Archbishop Laurus. Fr. Gregory served at Holy Trinity Monastery on the clerical staff and taught English and English as a Second Language at Holy Trinity Monastery during the academic year 1995-96. He received his Pastoral Theological Certificate from Holy Trinity Monastery in 1996. Later that same year Fr. Gregory was appointed Rector of St. Vladimir’s Church by Archbishop Alypy.
In 2001 Fr. Gregory received his MA in Education from the University of Michigan. In 2008 Fr. Gregory was accepted into the Doctorate of Ministry program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and in 2009 appointed Assistant Dean of the Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America. In 2013 Fr. Gregory completed his Doctoral Degree and was appointed Associate Dean of the Pastoral School. In 2014 Fr. Gregory was appointed Dean of the Pastoral School by the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
fr. panayiotis papageorgiou (episode 47 & 43 & 33)
holy transfiguration greek orthodox church
Fr. Panayiotis was born in Cyprus. He received his secondary education at the English School, Nicosia. After his military service he left for the U.S. where he studied Chemical Engineering in New York City at the City College. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering cum laude. He then continued his studies on a Graduate Research Scholarship at the University of Notre Dame where he completed his Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
He joined Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston in August 1984 in order to pursue theological studies, from where he graduated three years later with the degree Master of Divinity with High Distinction. Following that, he enrolled in the Early Christian Studies Program of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was awarded the Ph.D. degree in May of 1995 with a specialization in the history and theology of the Early Christian Church. The title of his dissertation was “A Theological Analysis of Selected Themes in the Homilies of St. John Chrysostom on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans.”
Fr. Panayiotis was ordained a deacon in Astoria, New York, on April 24, 1988 and a presbyter (priest) a month later (May 22, 1988) in Orange, New Jersey. He served as a priest on a part-time basis in different Orthodox parishes in the Metropolitan Washington area while completing his doctoral dissertation. From April 1989 to December 1993 he served a mission parish (which he helped establish) in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
He moved to Cyprus in December 1993 where he served the parish of Ayia Napa until July 2001 when he returned to the U.S. and took up the Parish of St. George in New Port Richey, Florida (as of August 1, 2001). In August of 2006 he and his family moved to Marietta, GA where he is currently serving as the presiding presbyter of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church of Marietta.
fr. paul abernathy (episode 46)
ST. MOSES THE BLACK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Fr. Paul Abernathy is a pioneering Orthodox priest and community-builder serving Pittsburgh’s Hill District as pastor of St. Moses the Black Orthodox Church, a predominantly African American Orthodox mission founded under the Antiochian Archdiocese. He is also the founder and CEO of the Neighborhood Resilience Project, a groundbreaking trauma-informed ministry focused on holistic urban revitalization and healing through Orthodox Christian fellowship.
A former U.S. Army Iraq War veteran, Fr. Paul earned his master’s in Public & International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and his Master of Divinity from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, class of 2010. He was ordained to the priesthood on August 27, 2010, by the Antiochian Diocese of Charleston, Oakland, and Mid‑Atlantic, at St. George Church in Bridgeville, PA.
Under his leadership, the Neighborhood Resilience Project has transformed communities in Pittsburgh by coupling trauma-informed social initiatives—such as free health clinics, food distribution, youth mentorship, and more—with Gospel faith and compassion. These efforts have earned public recognition and media coverage for their innovative fusion of faith and social justice.
Fr. Paul is also a nationally sought-after speaker on themes of resilience, racial justice, and urban ministry. He authored The Prayer of a Broken Heart: An Orthodox Christian Reflection on African American Spirituality in 2022, exploring how Orthodox faith uniquely addresses the spiritual legacy and suffering of Black Americans.
fr. christopher foley (episode 45)
Holy Cross Church
Fr. Christopher Foley is the founding priest of Holy Cross Orthodox Church, an English-language mission established in 2006 to serve the diverse communities of Greensboro, Winston‑Salem, and High Point, NC. He came to Holy Cross directly from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, graduating with an M.Div. in 2006. The mission celebrated its first Divine Liturgy on March 12, 2006, and grew under his leadership into a full parish by 2016, ultimately constructing a permanent building in Kernersville through sustained fundraising and diocesan support.
Originally raised in Evangelical Protestantism, Fr. Christopher converted to Orthodoxy during his university studies in missiology and art history. He is also an artist and musician, having performed for decades with his band Luxury, a story later featured in the documentary Parallel Love—in which three band members, including Fr. Christopher, became Orthodox priests.
At Holy Cross, he has provided creative leadership in liturgical practice, catechesis, and parish formation. Notably, he contributed a well-received presentation on Orthodox Church architecture during his parish’s building campaign.
fr. colin bower (episode 44)
St. vladimir orthodox church
Fr. Colin Bower is a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), serving the community of St. Vladimir Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. With a deep commitment to theological education and pastoral care, Fr. Colin plays a central role in the life of the parish, leading catechism and adult education while also participating in the sacramental and liturgical rhythm of parish life.
Before his ordination, Fr. Colin completed his theological studies through the Pastoral School of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America, where he earned his PTh.D. (Doctor of Pastoral Theology). His thesis, titled “Liturgical Language and Orthodox Evangelism,” reflects his long-standing interest in the intersection of tradition, mission, and the life of prayer. Upon graduation, he was ordained to the diaconate in June 2020 and to the priesthood in July 2021 by His Eminence Archbishop Peter at the diocesan cathedral in Des Plaines, Illinois.
fr. dr. joshua genig (episode 42)
St. Innocent of Irkutsk Russian Orthodox Church
Fr. Joshua Genig currently serves as Rector of St. Innocent Orthodox Church in Redford, Michigan, within the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA under ROCOR. As Dean of the Central States Deanery, he offers leadership across multiple parishes. He also contributes academically as a faculty member at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY.
He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Concordia University–Ann Arbor (2003), an M.Div. in Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, 2006), and earned a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the University of St. Andrews, UK in 2012. Prior to becoming Orthodox, Fr. Joshua served as a Lutheran minister (LCMS) and taught theology at Roman Catholic seminaries. He later worked as a staff chaplain at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI.
Fr. Joshua and his family were received into the Orthodox Church by chrismation in late 2013, marking a profound shift from Lutheranism—driven by his conviction that Orthodoxy embodies the historic, sacramental Church he longed for. His background in both Protestant and academic theology informs his thoughtful teaching and preaching, bridging Western Christian formation with Eastern Orthodox faith.
As Dean, Fr. Joshua supports clergy and parishes in the Central States regions, and his seminary role underscores his commitment to forming future Orthodox leaders. He is married to Matushka Abigail Barbara Genig, and together they have seven daughters.
fr. dcn. chris purdef (episode 41)
St. Ignatius Orthodox Church
Deacon Christopher Purdef serves at St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church in Mesa, AZ, where he brings his gifts in liturgical service, education, and parish outreach . A convert to the Orthodox faith, he was received into the Church in 2004 after earning a B.A. in Political Science from Ohio State University in 1997. He later earned an M.A. in Applied Orthodox Theology from the Antiochian House of Studies in 2013.
In March 2013 he was ordained to the diaconate. Since then, he has served both sacramental and educational ministry roles—teaching the popular “Orthodoxy 101” course for inquirers, catechumens, and cradle Orthodox, and guiding men’s study groups through parish life. He has also worked in community outreach, including organizing parish meals for the Greater Mesa Homeless Community.
Beyond parish life, Deacon Purdef serves the broader Orthodox mission through Share the Faith Ministries, where he is Business Development Coordinator. In this role he supports Orthodox missions across the United States, liaises with clergy and donors, and coordinates partnerships to expand the work of the Church
fr. daniel agbaza (episode 40)
Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
Fr. Daniel Agbaza serves as the Dean of the Nigerian parishes within the Russian Orthodox Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa. Ordained in Moscow in December 2022 by Metropolitan Leonid of Klin, he now holds pastoral and administrative roles across a growing Orthodox community in Nigeria.
Since ordination, Fr. Daniel has led Divine Liturgies in multiple communities: at the Protection of the Mother of God parish in Ogun State on Pascha 2023, where icon restoration and church completion were celebrated, and at the historic first Liturgy in Emevor, Delta State, marking the outbreak of Orthodox life in that region. In October 2024, during Metropolitan Konstantin’s visit to Benin, Fr. Daniel preached the sermon before Holy Communion and participated as dean in the multilingual hierarchical Liturgy in Cotonou.
Fr. Daniel Agbaza’s leadership reflects the dynamic expansion of the Orthodox Church in Nigeria. His devotion to sacramental ministry, education, and regional coordination marks him as a key figure in the Exarchate’s mission across West Africa.
fr. jacob siemens (episode 39)
St Theodore and St Teilo's Orthodox Church
r. Jacob Siemens (born James Siemens) serves as priest of the Orthodox Parish of St Theodore of Tarsus & St Teilo in Cardiff, Wales, under the Archdiocese of Russian Tradition in Western Europe. Alongside parish ministry, he acts as an Orthodox Christian chaplain at Cardiff University, bringing pastoral presence to the academic community.
Originally raised Anglican in Canada, Fr. Jacob served as a priest in Saskatchewan and St. Kitts before a long spiritual journey that saw him enter the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for a time. Ultimately, he was fully received into Orthodoxy at the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Paris on December 17, 2020. Now residing in Wales for over two decades with his wife and eight children, he has become a respected voice in both parish and scholarly life.
Fr. Jacob earned his Ph.D. in Historical Theology (2009) and a post-doctoral Lic.DD (2011) from the University of Wales, Lampeter, focusing on the Christology of St. Theodore of Tarsus—a study later published by Brepols. His monograph The Christology of Theodore of Tarsus and various academic contributions reflect a deep engagement with early medieval theological synthesis and patristic thought.
fr. turbo qualls (episode 38)
st. mary of egypt orthodox church
A former tattoo artist, Fr. Turbo underwent a dramatic personal transformation in his early life—from involvement with punk rock culture, occult practices, and substance use to becoming an evangelical Christian and eventually a convert to Orthodoxy. His encounter with the writings of Fr. Seraphim Rose, especially Youth of the Apocalypse, marked a spiritual turning point that led him to Orthodoxy through a Southern California church community. As a result, a new generation of seekers—some bearing tattoos, piercings, or dyed hair—followed his path into the faith.
He is also an accomplished iconographer. Fr. Turbo trained at the Prosopon School of Iconography under Fr. Stamatis Skliris of Athens and completed theological studies emphasizing iconology via the Antiochian House of Studies. In addition, he holds advanced degrees in Addiction Studies and Pastoral Counseling, focusing on crisis response and trauma care.
fr. justinian burnett (episode 37)
St John Cassian Chapel
Fr. Justinian Burnett serves the faithful both as a priest of the Monastery of the Glorious Ascension in Resaca, GA, and as pastor of the nearby St. John Cassian Chapel in Bessemer, AL. He embraces dual roles of monastic collaboration and parish leadership, weaving together lives of contemplative devotion and community outreach.
His spiritual journey into the priesthood was marked by a significant milestone: on March 20–21, 2021, during the first week of Great Lent, he was ordained by Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan at the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City—an event celebrated amid the penitential richness of the Liturgy.
Before his ordination, in June 2020, Fr. Justinian was tonsured a reader at the Glorious Ascension Monastery, a step affirming his growing devotion before his entrance into priestly service.
fr. earl cantos (episode 36)
Greek Orthodox Mission Church of Arizona
Fr. Earl Cantos currently serves as priest of the Orthodox Mission Church in Florence and Coolidge, Arizona, a rapidly evolving English-language mission near St. Anthony’s Monastery in the Arizona desert. He began leading the mission in November 2020, commuting from Flagstaff and eventually oversaw its growth into a structured community with over 90 steward families and 150–250 weekly attendees—and secured 14 acres of land for a permanent parish home.
Earlier in his ministry, Fr. Earl served for a decade at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Tucson (2008–2018) and prior to that at Holy Cross in Flagstaff, AZ (2018–2021). His canonical roles within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America have been extensive. Appointed in October 2018 as the Archdiocese’s first Youth Safety Compliance Officer, he helped implement child protection policies across the Archdiocese, drawing on his legal training as an attorney licensed in California and New York.
A convert and lay professional before ordination, Fr. Earl holds a Juris Doctor (University of San Diego), and a Master of Divinity from Hellenic College–Holy Cross, after studies both in Boston and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He was ordained a deacon on Pentecost 1998 and to the priesthood on July 4, 1999, later receiving the ecclesiastical rank of Economos Stavrophoros in 2005
fr. john souza (episode 35)
cathedral of saint sophia
Fr. John Souza is a native of Brazil and has lived most of his life in California. Fr. John has served as a layman in the Church for the past 14 years, in various teaching and liturgical ministries. In the San Francisco Bay area Fr. John has served at Holy Trinity, Annunciation Cathedral and Resurrection.
Fr. John is also a writer and curricula developer for the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and for the Saint John Chrysostom Festival.
Fr. John joined the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Los Angeles in 2023 as a Pastoral Assistant. He graduated from Biola University (in La Mirada) with a B.A. in Philosophy, and later from Westminster Seminary California (in Escondido) with an M.Div.
Fr. John went on to become ABD for the Ph.D. program in the Philosophy of Religion and Theology department at Claremont Graduate University. Lastly, Fr. John graduated with an M.Div. from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston.
fr. george kevorkian (episode 34)
St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church
Born and baptized in Brooklyn, New York, at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, Fr. George Kevorkian devoted many years to service in his home parish before relocating with his family in 1987 to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Little Falls, New Jersey.
He was ordained to the diaconate in 1996 and to the priesthood on Palm Sunday, April 8, 2001. Honoring his steadfast service, he was elevated to the rank of Archpriest in 2011.
Fr. Kevorkian blends pastoral sensitivity with academic insight. He earned a Master’s in Applied Orthodox Theology from the University of Balamand (in partnership with the Antiochian House of Studies) in 2002, submitting a thesis titled “An Orthodox Christian Pastoral Approach to Counseling Depression.” Before his drafting into full-time ministry, he built a career as a software engineer, holding both a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (1974), with over 25 years of experience in that field.
A trusted voice within his parish and beyond, Fr. Kevorkian regularly contributes homilies on topics like Pascha and Orthodoxy’s liturgical rhythms. He also brings his pastoral perspective to public forums—such as offering reflections on grief and community remembrance during interchurch 9/11 commemorations.
fr. elias stevens (episode 32)
Holy Cross Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. His parents, Patricia and Eli Stevens, were lifelong members of Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Birmingham. Fr Elias and his 3 siblings were all baptized and continue to attend the Birmingham Church. He graduated from Auburn University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science (1987) and MA Theology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (2008). After graduation from Auburn University, Father Elias worked in his family’s business for 20 years. Father Elias was ordained to the Deaconate in December 2007 and served at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell, Massachusetts. Father Elias was ordained to the Priesthood in May of 2008 and upon graduation that year, he was assigned as Ephemerios to Holy Trinity Holy Cross Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. In July 2009, he was assigned to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Mobile, Alabama until 2019 as the Proistaminos. Fr. Elias has been on several mission trips to Guatemala as well as Co-Director of the Winter Youth Rally in Atlanta.
fr. john kocolas (episode 31)
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. John Kocolas brings a rich blend of educational, pastoral, and entrepreneurial experience to his role as parish priest of Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Novato, CA. Originally from Modesto, he earned a B.A. in Business Marketing, with a minor in Mathematics, from California State University, Stanislaus. Following his calling to ordained ministry, Fr. John completed his Master of Divinity at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2012.
In December 2012, after serving briefly as Assistant Priest at Holy Cross in Belmont, he was ordained to the diaconate (Dec 2) and then to the priesthood (Dec 30) by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. In the summer of 2016, he and Presvytera Stephanie—his wife since 2011—were appointed to lead Nativity of Christ in Novato, where they have nurtured parish life ever since.
Well-known for his outreach and teaching, Fr. John has also presented at Metropolis-wide forums such as the 2021 Stewardship Town Hall on community engagement and evangelism. In a recent episode of The OrthoChat, he offered reflections on the importance of the Eucharist and living a faithful, balanced life in the contemporary world
ARCHIM. CHRISTODOULOS PAPADEAS (episode 30)
Annunciation of the Theotokos Orthodox Church
Archimandrite Christodoulos Papadeas currently serves as rector of Annunciation of the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Wellington, New Zealand, under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
His pastoral vision extends well beyond parish boundaries. In Denver, Colorado, he founded and leads the Holy Hermitage of Saint George (Brotherhood of Saint George), a mission hermitage that bridges clergy and laity through daily liturgy, prayer, and spiritual counsel. Founded in 1999 with the blessings of Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver and his spiritual father Metropolitan Amphilochios of Ganou and Chora, the hermitage offers services in Greek and English and serves as a welcoming place of prayer and pastoral presence.
fr. yanni verginis (episode 29)
holy trinity greek orthodox church
Fr. Yanni Verginis is an Orthodox priest whose ministry has included service in parishes across the United States. He has served as Priest at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Youngstown, Ohio, and at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Massillon, Ohio. He has also ministered as Assistant Priest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, where he worked with a vibrant and multi-generational parish community.
He received his theological education at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, earning a Master of Divinity in Theology. Before entering the priesthood, Fr. Yanni pursued studies in aerospace and engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Technology from Kent State University and attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for coursework in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering.
fr. dr. joseph lucas (episode 28)
orthodox cathedral of christ the saviour
Fr. Dr. Joseph Lucas serves as the rector of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral in Miami Lakes, Florida, a vibrant parish known for its cultural diversity, including a majority Hispanic congregation.
A scholar and spiritual leader, he earned his Ph.D. in Theology from Radboud University Nijmegen following earlier theological formation, including an M.Div. with Distinction in Patristics from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. His doctoral thesis, “Offerer and Offering: Cyril of Alexandria on Jewish and Christian Sacrifice,” reflects his deep engagement with patristic thought and theological reflection.
Fr. Lucas is also a respected editor and writer. He is the Senior Editor of the Rule of Faith journal, an academic publication exploring Orthodox thought and culture. His published works include Prayer of the Publican: Justification in the Desert Fathers and How to Read the Holy Fathers: A Guide for Orthodox Christians, which foster accessible theological education grounded in the wisdom of the Church Fathers.
fr. nicholas verdaris (episode 27)
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. Dr. Nicholas Verdaris serves as Proistamenos of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Little Rock, Arkansas—a parish celebrated for its vibrant ministry and welcoming, multi-ethnic congregation.
He earned his B.A. (valedictorian, 1991) from Hellenic College in Brookline, MA, followed by a Master of Divinity (highest distinction, 1994) from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He then received a Doctor of Ministry with highest distinction (2002) from Andover Newton Theological School, specializing in pastoral counseling, marriage, and family therapy.
Ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in the summer of 1996, Fr. Nicholas was later honored with the title Ekonomos in March 2007 for his dedicated service to the Church.
fr. niko bekris (episodes 26 & 21)
resurrection greek orthodox church
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington in 1981, and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece on August 15, 1982. After graduating from the University of Washington in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in History, he enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, having felt a calling from the Lord to become a priest. He finished his studies in 2008, graduating with a Master of Divinity.
Upon completing his studies, he served as the Youth Director of the Metropolis of San Francisco for three years (2008-2011) while also serving at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in San Francisco. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on December 14, 2008, at his home parish of the Assumption in Seattle, Washington, and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 15, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral, after which he began serving at the Cathedral as the full-time associate pastor.
BISHOP ATHENAGORAS OF NAZIANZOS (episode 25)
Chief Secretary, Holy Eparchial Synod & Director, Department of Religious Education (DRE)
Bishop Athenagoras (secular name Christos Ziliaskopoulos), born in 1970 in Reutlingen, Germany, was raised in both Greece and Germany, grounding him in a rich cross-cultural heritage. In his youth, he embraced monastic life on Mount Athos, where he deepened his devotion to Christ and the Orthodox Church.
He was ordained a deacon in 1997 and a priest in 1998 by Metropolitan Augoustinos of Germany, then elevated to Archimandrite by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 1999. After more than two decades of parish service in the Metropolis of Germany—as a parish priest, Hierarchical Vicar, and interfaith representative—he was elected Bishop of Nazianzos on May 19, 2021, by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His episcopal ordination took place on June 5, 2021, at Holy Cross Chapel in Brookline, MA, presided over by Archbishop Elpidophoros and other hierarchs.
Since his episcopal elevation, Bishop Athenagoras has served the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as:
Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod
National Director of the Department of Religious Education
Spiritual Advisor to the National Ladies Philoptochos Society
Member of the Board of Trustees for St. Basil Academy
fr. dr. marc wisnowsky (episode 24)
Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church
Fr. Marc was assigned as pastor of St. John’s on May 1, 2021. Before coming to serve St. John's, Fr. Marc served as a supply priest for the diocese since his ordination in September 2020. Previously, Fr. Marc served as a deacon at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Homestead, PA for over 6 years.
In addition to serving as pastor of St. John’s, Fr. Marc is also a professor at, as well as the diocesan Consultant to the, and a part-time professor in the, teaching courses on Slavic culture and literature; He is also a full-time instructor for, where he teaches K-12 teachers pursing their masters degree in teaching English as a Second Language in the ELL Program.
fr. dr. gregory edwards (episode 23)
Holy Trinity + Holy Cross orthodox church
Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards was raised in Virginia and eastern Pennsylvania. While studying Religious Studies at Brown University, he underwent a profound spiritual transformation: once an atheist, he was received into the Orthodox Church in April 2003. He continued his academic journey at Florida State University, earning an M.A. in New Testament and Early Christianity, before pursuing his doctorate at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. There, he completed his Ph.D. summa cum laude in 2012, focusing on Orthodox mission in North America.
Ordained in 2007, Fr. Gregory served in parishes around Thessaloniki and Volos for nine years—during which his family grew with the births of their four children. In 2014, he joined St. Vladimir’s Seminary as Assistant Professor of Missiology. Since March 2019, he also serves as Dean of the Holy Trinity–Holy Cross Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama, where he guides both liturgical life and community outreach.
Dr. Edwards has contributed significantly to Orthodox scholarship through editing and translating key theological works, including Metropolitan John Zizioulas’s The One and the Many and Christos Yannaras’s The Meaning of Reality, among others. His research often centers on the theology of mission and ecclesial life in contemporary North America.
fr. aris metrakos (episode 22)
holy trinity greek orthodox church
Father Aris P. Metrakos has served Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco since June 2008. The oldest Greek Orthodox parish west of the Mississippi, Holy Trinity finds itself in a city with relatively few children and even fewer Greeks and Greek-Americans. Knocked slightly off course by a disruption in the pastorate and unfortunate financial circumstances in 2007, Father Aris has shepherded Holy Trinity as the parishioners have worked together to fulfill the Great Commission and live out the mandates of Matthew 25, without asking existing or new parishioners to adopt a contrived spiritual or ethnic identity.
Father Aris has served in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for over 30 years, authored both youth and adult educational curricula, crafted stewardship materials, garnered an extensive amount of summer camp experience, and worked abroad sharing American youth ministry experiences and methodologies. For the past decade he has assisted Metropolitan Gerasimos in a variety of tasks including managing the National Ministries program, assisting parishes in crisis, facilitating the assignment of priests, and supporting new and existing Metropolis ministries.
fr. colin barker (episode 19)
st. mark church
He came to the Orthodox Christian faith as a teenager but felt his whole life that he was called to the priesthood. As a pastor’s kid himself, he grew up with ministry at the forefront of his mind.
As a young man, he served in the United States Marine Corp. While stationed in California, he met his wife Khouria (Arabic title for “Priest’s wife”) Cathryn when visiting a local parish. After their early years of marriage, Fr. Colin attended St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary and earned his Master's in Divinity. He was then placed as pastor of St. Mark Church. They have three young children and have found the Mahoning Valley to be a welcoming place to plant roots.
Fr. Colin is constantly pursuing deeper knowledge in the Faith and seeks to guide Christ’s flock to the Eternal Kingdom.
In his free time, you can find him deciphering which Bible translation is the best, gardening, walking, or spending time with his family.
He wishes you to know that all are welcome to come and explore the depths of the Orthodox church at St. Mark Church, Youngstown, Ohio.
fr. stefan djoric (episode 17)
st. nicholas serbian orthodox church
Fr. Stefan Djoric currently serves as the parish priest of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church in Steubenville, Ohio, having assumed his appointment in June 2019.
Originally from Čačak, Serbia, Fr. Stefan undertook his initial theological studies at the University of Belgrade, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. He then continued his formation at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York, earning both an M.A. in 2018 and a Th.M. (Master of Theology) in 2019.
Fr. Stefan’s journey to ordained ministry began with his ordination to the diaconate in December 2018 by Bishop Irinej at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA. Just a few months later, on June 2, 2019, he was ordained to the holy priesthood by the same bishop at Holy Resurrection Church in Steubenville.
Known for both his heartfelt sermon and his testimony toward service, Fr. Stefan once reflected that what began as a simplistic childhood belief—that one could gain God’s favor with prayers like a request for sweets—eventually blossomed into a deeper, more vibrant life of sacrificial service.
archim. maximos weimar (episode 16)
Monastery of the Glorious Ascension
Archimandrite Maximos (Weimar), originally named Louis Weimar, currently serves as the abbot of the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross, formerly located in East Setauket, Long Island, and is now in the process of founding the new Brotherhood of St. Dionysios the Areopagite within ROCOR’s Eastern American Diocese. His pastoral responsibilities also include serving as Superior of St. Panteleimon Skete in Coconut Creek, FL, Administrator of St. John Cassian Chapel in Bessemer, AL, and Abbot Emeritus of the Monastery of St. Dionysios the Areopagite in St. James, NY.
Born and raised in South Carolina, Archimandrite Maximos converted to Orthodoxy in the mid-1990s. He joined monastic life in 1995 at the Monastery of the Glorious Ascension in Resaca, GA. Tonsured as a monk in 1997, ordained as a deacon in 1998 and a priest in 2000, he later became an archimandrite under the Jerusalem Patriarchate before rejoining ROCOR in 2010.
Under his leadership, the Brotherhood grew to a vibrant, multicultural community, offering liturgy primarily in English with elements in Church Slavonic, Greek, and Romanian to welcome persons of various backgrounds. The community formed around the monastery included converts and faithful from many Orthodox traditions.
mtr. christophora (episode 15)
The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration
Mother Christophora is the third and current abbess of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, having faithfully led the community since 1987. Born into an Orthodox family in Pennsylvania, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Penn State and spent seven years working in the field of addiction services before answering the call to monastic life.
Her spiritual journey toward monasticism began with frequent visits to the monastery after she discovered it via Orthodox publications. Her first visit in 1981 proved transformative, and two years later she entered as a novice. She took her monastic vows in 1986, and upon Mother Benedicta’s retirement in 1987, was elected Abbess and installed by Archbishop Nathaniel.
Under her leadership, the monastery grew in depth and outreach. She has overseen multiple building projects to accommodate the growing sisterhood and the increasing number of pilgrims, hosted annual retreats, and remained a beloved speaker at Lenten and clergy retreats. In recognition of her decades of dedicated service, the OCA marked her 25th anniversary as abbess in 2012, acknowledging her for weaving together diverse liturgical traditions into a harmonious American monastic expression.
fr. njegos perkovik (episode 14)
St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church
Fr. Njegoš Perković was ordained to the sacred priesthood on October 15, 2023, during a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Diocese of Eastern America at the Monastery of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel in Richfield, Ohio. This solemn liturgy also commemorated the Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian of Antioch and Blessed Andrew the Fool-for-Christ.
Moved by a deep sense of vocation, Fr. Njegoš shared in his ordination address how his calling was shaped by the faith of his parents—even amid the hardships of war—and crystallized during a childhood moment standing at his parish church in Waterloo. There, observing a priest present the Holy Gifts at the altar, he felt a stirring toward the boundless and mysterious love of God, which he now serves as a priest with sincerity, contrition, and devotion.
fr. barnabas powell (episode 13)
sts. raphael, nicholas & irene orthodox church
Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Fr. Barnabas began his spiritual journey in a small Pentecostal church, where he ultimately served as youth pastor—a role that ignited his passion for preaching and vibrant worship. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Toccoa Falls College in 1988 and then co-founded a church in the Atlanta area, while also working prominently in evangelical media—including radio, television, and print.
His fascination with church history and theology drew him toward the Orthodox faith. In November 2001, he and several families from his congregation entered the Orthodox Church together. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexios, he enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2007. He was ordained to the diaconate in November 2009 and ordained to the priesthood in March 2010 at Atlanta’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Fr. Barnabas now serves as the senior pastor (proistamenos) of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Cumming, Georgia. In 2014, he founded Faith Encouraged Ministries, launching the popular daily devotional Faith Encouraged Daily, the Faith Encouraged LIVE radio show (until 2019), and authoring the book A Faith Encouraged. He also produced the widely used 16-part video series A Journey to Fullness, now utilized by over 200 parishes across the U.S. and Canada.
fr. george r. a. aquaro (episode 12)
St Katherine Orthodox Mission
Fr. George R. A. Aquaro is an Antiochian Orthodox Christian priest, currently serving as the pastor of Saint Matthew Orthodox Church in Torrance, California. A graduate of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York, he entered the Orthodox Church at St. Matthew and returned there as its pastor in 2006.
In recognition of his dedicated service, Metropolitan Joseph honored Fr. George with the title of Archpriest and presented him with a gold pectoral cross during a Holy Monday service in 2016. He is widely known for his teaching on overcoming spiritual struggles such as the passions and addictions—topics he often addresses both locally and internationally.
Fr. George is also an accomplished theologian. His book Death by Envy: The Evil Eye and Envy in the Christian Tradition (2004) delves into early Christian and pre-Christian understandings of envy and the evil eye, drawing on anthropological and theological sources. This work is considered a groundbreaking Eastern Christian theological treatise on envy in over 1,500 years, noted for its scholarly depth and accessibility
fr. david hovik (episode 11)
saint andrew orthodox christian church
Inspired by a deep search for historic Christian worship, Fr. David Hovik led his Grace Community Church congregation through a journey into Eastern Orthodoxy. In 1997, after six months of catechism, he and over 100 parishioners were chrismated and transformed into St. Andrew Antiochian Orthodox Church under the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.
A former evangelical pastor, Fr. Hovik gradually reshaped his services—transitioning from casual worship to liturgical tradition, centered around creeds, communion, icons, and incense. During this process, some members left, but many remained committed to the Orthodox path alongside him.
Today, St. Andrew Church continues to grow under his leadership, serving the northwestern region from Everett to Bellingham. The parish blends liturgical richness with outreach and serves as a center for Orthodox conversion and formation in Western Washington.
Fr. David also participates in diocesan leadership—serving, for instance, as an alternate member of the Antiochian Church’s Provisional Clergy Affairs Committee. His ministry is marked by thoughtful evangelism, education, and pastoral care across a diverse regional context.
fr. tom constantine (episode 10)
St. John the forerunner Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. Thomas Constantine served as the pastor of St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church in Boardman, Ohio, from April 11, 2003, until his retirement in 2023 . Under his leadership, the parish flourished through initiatives like the “Coffee with Father” gatherings, a monthly speaker series, and active Lenten programs.
Fr. Constantine was instrumental in establishing community outreach efforts, including a soup kitchen, Thanksgiving meals for the needy, and support for college students through the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Youngstown State University . His commitment to youth development was evident in the parish’s participation in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, where several students advanced to regional and national levels.
A graduate of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Fr. Constantine was ordained to the priesthood on Father’s Day, June 15, 2003. His ordination was a profound moment for the Constantine family, as his son, Eleftherios, was also ordained to the diaconate on the same day, marking a unique father-son calling to ministry.
fr. nick palis (episode 9)
st. nicholas greek orthodox cathedral
Fr. Nicholas T. Palis is a distinguished priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, who recently retired after many years as Proistamenos (head priest) of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
A native of upstate New York born to Greek immigrant parents, Fr. Nicholas pursued his theological education at Hellenic College in Brookline, Massachusetts, before continuing his studies at the University of Thessalonica in Greece.
Since assuming leadership of St. Nicholas Cathedral in 2005, Fr. Palis ushered in a vibrant era of spiritual and educational growth. Under his guidance, the parish flourished with a renewed emphasis on worship, education, and community outreach. His legacy includes the expansion of youth programs, Greek school, and the completion of the cathedral’s beautiful iconography.
fr. philip kontos (episode 8)
St. Herman of Alaska Church
V. Rev. Fr. Philip G. Kontos is the Rector of St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church in Lake Worth, Florida, under the Diocese of the South of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).
A dedicated servant in his local and regional Orthodox community, Fr. Philip also serves as the Dean of the South Florida Deanery, offering pastoral oversight and guidance to several parishes in the region. Furthermore, he provides leadership and support for the Mission of the Keys, which connects to his parish work.
In addition to his ecclesial roles, Fr. Philip holds the position of President of St. Herman’s Orthodox Church, Inc., the nonprofit organization serving St. Herman’s parish. He is recorded as the official registered agent of the entity, highlighting his longstanding administrative involvement.
fr. dcn. photios dickos (episode 7)
Holy cross greek orthodox church
Fr. Dcn. Photios Dickos, commonly known as Deacon Frank, is a respected member of the clergy at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh. After graduating from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in the class of 1984, he was ordained to the diaconate in 2004 and has faithfully served at Holy Cross ever since, alongside his wife, Adrienne.
Before retiring from active parish work, Deacon Frank balanced his spiritual calling with a distinguished secular career. For three decades, he served as the Lead Software Engineer at Confluence, a renowned global leader in investment management data automation.
FR. CONSTANTINE VALANTASIS (episode 6)
st. demetrios greek orthodox church
Fr. Constantine Valantasis currently serves as Proistamenos (Head Priest) of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Warren, Ohio—a role he's held since his assignment in 2010. Prior to his tenure in Warren, he ministered to congregations at St. George in Massillon, OH, and St. Nicholas in North Ridge, CA.
Fr. Costa (as he is affectionately known) is deeply embedded in his local community. A third-generation Greek-American and native of nearby Campbell, he brings heartfelt cultural and spiritual resonance to his parishioners. His leadership extends beyond liturgical duties; under his guidance, St. Demetrios launched a robust strategic planning process aimed at enhancing fellowship, stewardship, and parish life. He also played a central role during the church’s centennial celebration, a milestone marking 100 years of worship and community service in Warren.
fr. samuel davis (episode 5)
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine
Rev. Fr. Samuel Davis serves as Assistant Priest at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, located at the World Trade Center in New York City, where he also directs the Apostolic Mission to the African Diaspora in the Americas, West Indies, and Caribbean.
A Brooklyn native born to Panamanian parents and born on March 25, 1980, Fr. Samuel initially encountered Orthodoxy while serving in the U.S. Air Force, drawn in by the charismatic preaching he witnessed that sparked a heartfelt theological and spiritual journey. He earned his first degree in Biblical Studies from Pillar College and later completed a Master of Divinity at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.
In 2010, Fr. Samuel founded St. Simon of Cyrene Orthodox Mission in New Brunswick, NJ—an outreach aimed at serving African-American and Hispanic communities through compassionate urban ministry. He was ordained to the diaconate and advanced to the priesthood in April 2018.
FR. KONSTANTINOS KOUTROUBAS (episode 4)
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. Konstantinos Koutroubas has faithfully served as a priest of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, since September 2019. A dedicated pastor and spiritual writer, he regularly contributes faith-filled articles to Hellenic News of America, with engaging reflections on Orthodox feasts, saints, liturgical seasons, and spirituality. His writings, such as “Saint Nektarios of Aegina,” “Great Lent Begins,” and “The Feast of the Ypapanti of the Lord,” are valued for their clarity and pastoral insight.
Fr. Koutroubas is known for his warm pastoral presence, blending deep spiritual grounding with a welcoming demeanor toward his parishioners and readers alike. His work highlights themes of repentance, renewal, and the power of the Resurrection, offering guidance rooted in Orthodox tradition and lived faith.
FR. SERAPHIM MOSLENER (episode 3)
all saints orthodox church
Father Seraphim Moslener was ordained to the holy diaconate in 2012 and to the holy priesthood in 2017, having received a degree from the Antiochian House of Studies.
Prior to this, he served as a Protestant Pastor for 39 years. He taught marriage and family counseling at the college level for 22 years and was in practice as a marriage and family therapist for 30 years. Together with his wife, Khouria Paraskeva, he has five children and eight grandchildren.
He was assigned as assistant pastor at All Saints in September 2019.
FR. NICK HALKIAS (episode 2)
holy trinity greek orthodox church
Fr. Nicholas "Nick" Halkias serves as the parish priest (Proistamenos) of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio—a role he has faithfully held since at least 2021. He also previously served the Greek Orthodox community in Steubenville, Ohio, where he engaged in local ecclesial life and spiritual leadership.
Beyond his parish duties, Fr. Nick has been actively involved in broader Metropolis governance. He has served as Syndesmos President (a clergy representative in the laity-clergy liaison organization) for the Metropolis Council—first in 2016–2018 and again in the current 2022–2024 Metropolis Council. In Steubenville, he collaborated with local Orthodox clergy from several jurisdictions to jointly bless the Ohio River each Theophany, reviving this beloved tradition in the community
FR. THEODOSIOS PALIS (episode 1)
Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. Theodosios Palis currently serves as the presiding priest at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. In June 2019, he was ordained to the diaconate, followed by his ordination to the priesthood in September of the same year—an appointment that recognized both his devotion and pastoral calling.
Fr. Palis brings pastoral care and spiritual guidance to his parish, grounded in the Orthodox tradition and attentive to the needs of his community. Beyond sacramental ministry, he has contributed to parish leadership and programming, including youth engagement and educational outreach (as seen in broader parish developments during his tenure).
