Father John was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in a vibrant Greek Orthodox home. His mother, a native of Kos, Greece, and his father, an iconographer, instilled in him a love for the Orthodox Christian Faith from an early age. His childhood was steeped in prayer, Bible study, and theological dialogue, with icons adorning every corner of their home. By the age of ten, Father John’s heart was set aflame with faith—a flame that his parents faithfully nurtured, preparing him to one day make the Faith his own.
Baptized and raised at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster, Father John was deeply shaped by the leadership and spiritual guidance of Father Alexander Veronis. His youth was marked by enriching experiences: dynamic spiritual retreats, youth choir, Bible studies, and summers at Camp Nazareth in western Pennsylvania. It was in this environment that Father John first sensed a calling to the Holy Priesthood at the age of thirteen.
Excelling in English, literature, and public speaking during high school, Father John graduated as Valedictorian before earning a B.A. in English with a minor in History from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. A pivotal moment in his college years was meeting his future wife, Miss Karen DiLorenzo. Soon after, he moved to Boston to attend Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1990. Father John and Presbytera Karen were married in 1985 and began their life of ministry and service together.
Following seminary, Father John served as Youth Director at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Churches in Wilmington, Delaware, and Canton, Ohio. In Wilmington, he was also active in the Delaware Valley Youth Commission of the Metropolis of New Jersey. Later, while teaching English and Rhetoric at the University of Akron and Malone College, Father John supported his family through various jobs—including house painting, pizza delivery, newspaper reporting, and taxi driving—while remaining deeply involved in church life, chanting, youth work, and Metropolis retreats.
His return to full-time ministry came when he accepted the role of Director of Religious Education and Youth Director at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Richmond, Virginia, where he joyfully served under Father Nicholas Bacalis. During this fruitful period, Father John was ordained to the Diaconate on November 25, 2001, in his home parish of Lancaster by His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, and to the Holy Priesthood on December 1, 2002, at the Cathedral by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. He faithfully served the Richmond community for twelve years until December 2011.
In January 2012, Father John was blessed to become the fourth Proistamenos (presiding priest) of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Under his pastoral leadership, the parish has more than doubled in size, blossoming into a dynamic, spirit-filled community known for its warmth, hospitality, and active ministries. Parish life has flourished through expanded youth programs, vibrant liturgical life, neighborhood adoption, and a renewed sense of stewardship and involvement.
Presbytera Karen, a devoted partner in ministry, works as a registered nurse in the emergency department at Chesapeake Regional Hospital and continues her involvement in medical missions to Guatemala. Together, they have been blessed with four children and twelve grandchildren who are the joy of their lives. Deanna is a James Madison University graduate and nurse who lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband Nick and their children Jocelyn, Kalliope, and Dionysios. Thomas, also a James Madison University and Holy Cross graduate (Master of Divinity), currently serves as the Proistamenos at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Chantilly, Virginia. He and his wife Elizabeth, along with their sons Vasilios and Athanasios, bring a wealth of missionary and youth ministry experience to their parish. Sarah, a graduate of Mary Washington College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, Father Savvas (Mark) Mandeville, and their children Marina, Dimitrios, and another little one on the way. Nicholas, a Hampden-Sydney College and Holy Cross graduate (Master of Divinity), serves as the Proistamenos at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Lorain, Ohio. He and his wife Demetra are the proud parents of John, Eleutheria, Sophronia, and Noah.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Father John has contributed written works to the life of the Church and looks forward to continuing his publications. He and Presbytera Karen anticipate many joyful years ahead—caring for grandchildren, traveling to visit their growing family, and embracing the countless blessings God continues to provide.
With grateful hearts, they consider themselves richly blessed to serve both God and His Church. Their prayer remains steadfast: to live in good health, with peace of mind and spirit, giving glory to God for all things.
"Glory to God for all things!"
