ORANGE, CT – [Photo: APC]
The Archdiocesan Presbyters Council (APC) held its Spring Meeting at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange, Connecticut, from May 12–13, 2026.
The APC Board is comprised of two representatives from each Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos: the Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos President and an APC representative elected by the members of the respective Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos. The Board also includes the immediate Past National President and two ex-officio members: the President of the Retired Clergy Association (RCA) and the President of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres (NSP).
During the meeting, the APC Board discussed several ongoing national initiatives, including the Clergy Sabbatical Program, the Clergy Leadership Accelerator Program, and the National Clergy Retreat. These groundbreaking programs continue to flourish through the generous support of Leadership 100.
The Board also received updates from the Archdiocese Benefits Committee (ABC) and the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres. Members discussed the Essential Family Resource Guide — a comprehensive organizational tool created to assist clergy families in compiling, safeguarding, and communicating important personal and household information. Published in December 2025, the guide is available as a fillable PDF on the APC website at presbyters.org. The Board also discussed plans for a second volume in this important series of resources for clergy families.
Theo Nicolakis, Chief Information Officer and Director of National Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, joined the meeting and offered updates on several national ministry initiatives. He shared findings from the National Ministries Survey and discussed a number of ministries and national initiatives that grew out of conversations first initiated during the Spring 2025 APC Meeting. Some of these initiatives have already been launched — including Diakonia, the National Weekly Bulletin Supplement — while others are expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Clergy-Laity Congress.
The APC Board also received a presentation via Zoom from Dr. Drew Baker, PhD, Adjunct Professor of Education at the University of Virginia and the University of Richmond. Dr. Baker presented updates on the development of the new Sunday School Curriculum, which will officially be introduced at the upcoming Clergy-Laity Congress.
In addition, the Board received updates regarding the upcoming Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as updates from the Hellenic College Holy Cross Presidential Search Committee. Each Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos President also shared reports highlighting the many ministries, programs, and activities taking place throughout their respective Metropolises.
The APC Board consists of: Rev. Fr. Peter Orfanakos, President, Rev. Fr. Thomas Chininis, Vice-President, Rev. Fr. Mario Giannopoulos, Treasurer, Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Secretary, Rev. Fr. Paul Kaplanis, Advisor and Past President, Rev. Fr. Vasile Bitere, Rev. Fr. Bryce Buffenbarger, Rev. Fr. George Chioros, Rev. Fr. Nicholas Dassouras, Rev. Fr. Michael Ellis, Rev. Fr. Christopher Flesoras, Rev. Fr. Gregory Floor, Rev. Fr. George Gartelos, Rev. Fr. Gregory Hohnholt, Rev. Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres, Rev. Fr. Daen Kokanos, Rev. Fr. Anastasios Kousoulas, Rev. Fr. Michael Platanis, Rev. Fr. Michael Prevas, V. Rev. Fr. Eugene Pappas, RCA President, Presvytera Pearlann Bithos, NSP President
The Archdiocesan Presbyters Council continues its mission of supporting the clergy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America through leadership development, fellowship, pastoral support, and collaborative ministry initiatives that strengthen the life of the Church nationwide.
Source: APC
