When Fr. Al Demos's grandfather immigrated to the United States 120 years, he, like so many of our forefathers and mothers, played a foundational role in nurturing the nascent Greek Orthodox community. The Church has continued to grow, change, and improve since then, and one of the most important challenges we can commit to, Fr. Demos says, is that of constantly seeking the enhancement of our ministries.
With the participation of hierarchs, clergy, and laity for the first time, the current GOA Charter revision process represents an unprecedented opportunity for all of us to build consensus on the most meaningful path forward for the Church. Fr. Demos voices his support for the revisions, and he reflects on his work as the Administrator of the Ministerial Fund for Excellence, a highly successful national program, under the Clergy Family Initiative, whose reach continues to benefit individual parishes across the country.
A native of Chicago, Rev. Dr. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Athanasios ("Al") Demos has served the Church for 55 years. He is the former Chancellor of the Metropolis of Boston, as well as the former Archiepiscopal Vicar and Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District. He has also previously served as the Dean of Students and the Director of Development at Hellenic College Holy Cross. Before retiring, Fr. Demos served in parishes in the Archdiocesan District and in the Metropolises of Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Boston, where he was Dean of Annunciation Cathedral.