I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. My first encounter with Orthodoxy came through a high school friend who had been introduced to the Church by a college professor. I became friends with that professor, too, and we still keep in touch today.

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I’ve always felt most at home in the church, though my path to the priesthood included studying criminal justice and history at TCU, working in finance at GMAC, and spending time in professional kitchens.

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In time, my parish priest and Bishop Basil encouraged me to consider the priesthood. After a lot of prayer and soul-searching, I knew that this was where God was leading me. I attended St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood on August 9, 2009.

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Before coming to Holy Transfiguration, I served at St. Paul in North Royalton, Ohio; St. Andrew in Waco; St. Silouan in College Station; and St. Anthony in Spring.

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What matters most to me in pastoral ministry is that people feel loved and that our parish is a healthy place where they can grow toward Christ. The priesthood has taught me that His mercy is inexhaustible—and that, try as I might, I still have a great deal to learn about practicing His love and mercy. It has also taught me to be slower to judge. No one does something for no reason. Understanding someone’s circumstances doesn’t mean agreeing with every decision, but knowing the fuller story often helps us understand how they arrived where they are.

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When I think about what people need most from their priest, I come back to two things: love and truth.

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My Family

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My wife Rebecca and I have been married for 22 years. She is the love of my life, might be the smartest person I know, is a wonderful neonatologist, and is a relentless self-improver.

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We have two sons. Max, 17, is enthusiastic, mechanically inclined, very social, and loves serving—at church and everywhere else. He’s also funny, though usually not on purpose. Evan, on the other hand, 14, is funny on purpose. He’s creative, warm, quietly encouraging, and loves to draw—but not to sleep.

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As a family we enjoy scuba diving, fishing, and camping in our RV together. Being a husband and father has shaped my understanding of pastoral ministry by constantly exposing my own limitations. There is always more to learn about patience, humility, and loving the people right in front of you.

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A Few More Things About Me

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What do you especially love about Holy Transfiguration?
How encouraging everyone is and how willing everyone is to help out. As we grow, I’m most excited about all the people I get to meet!

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How would you describe your preaching?
Haphazard. When in doubt, just tell a story.

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What do you enjoy outside of church?
Making espresso, scuba diving, fishing, hiking, driving a backroad, and playing miniature games. I’m currently learning coffee roasting and clock repair.

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What’s your coffee order?
An Americano, an espresso, or a cortado—in that order.

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Favorite meal?
Grilled lamb or oxtail potjiekos (“POY-kee-koss”), a traditional South African stew.

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Something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a license to practice falconry.

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Something you’re terrible at?
Directions. I have no sense of direction.

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What books might we find on your bookshelf?
The Old Man and the Sea, Laurus, The Gurus the Young Man and Elder Paisios, Lance Armstrong's War, The Master and Margarita, Everyday Saints, Blood Meridian, Don Quixote, The Monk of Mt. Athos, The Lord of the Rings, Speaker for the Dead, Catch-22, Invisible Man, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Tenth Man, The Crying of Lot 49, The Trial, 100 Years of Solitude, Silence, Wounded by Love

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What are your favorite movies and TV shows?

Movies: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Rear Window, Manchurian Candidate (the original), The Shawshank Redemption, Arrival, For a Few Dollars More, Spirited Away, Interstellar, Heat, Kingdom of Heaven (director's cut), The Alpinist, Ex Machina, Ronin, Blade Runner, The Green Knight 

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TV: Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: DS9, West Wing, Firefly, Breaking Bad, Chernobyl, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Battlestar Galactica (reimagined), Arrested Development (original seasons only), Frasier, Mash, I Love Lucy, Planet Earth, True Detective (season 1), News Radio 

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Favorite place you’ve visited?
The Swiss Alps in August, followed by the South of France in spring or early summer.

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Which saints are especially dear to you?
St. Paisios of Athos, St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr, St. Raphael of Brooklyn, St. Luke the Surgeon, St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, and St. Silouan the Athonite.

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What has God taught you through difficult seasons?
Rely on the saints, both their intercession and their example. They point the way to Christ, especially when the path is dark.

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What spiritual advice do you find yourself giving most often?
Have a daily prayer rule, discussed with your priest, and stick to it. Go to confession regularly. And don’t make decisions out of fear. Fear short-circuits our ability to love, and it’s very hard to follow God and love like Christ when we’re fearful.

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Whether you’re visiting an Orthodox church for the first time or have been Orthodox your whole life, I look forward to meeting you. I’m grateful to be part of this parish as we learn, grow, and follow Christ together.