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. The Board also discussed plans for a second volume in this important series of resources for clergy families.
Theo Nicolakis, Director of National Ministries and CIO for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, joined the meeting and offered updates on several national ministry initiatives. He shared preliminary findings from the National Ministries Survey of Clergy and Ministry Leaders, which will be reported in full at Clergy-Laity. He also updated the APC on a number of initiatives that resulted from the Spring 2025 APC Meeting including: a major update to Bulletin Builder, a new Daily Readings Mobile App, significant updates to the Digital Chant Stand—including a pew edition, a new faith and life video series, and forthcoming resources for Sunday Orthros. Some of these initiatives requested from the APC have already been launched—such as Diakonia, the Leadership 100-funded, weekly National Bulletin Supplement—with other major announcements coming at this summer’s Clergy-Laity Congress.
The APC also had a firsthand look at one of its top requests of the National Ministries: the new Sunday School curriculum for grades K-12. Dr. Drew Baker, PhD, Adjunct Professor of Education at the University of Virginia and the University of Richmond provided samples from various grades of the Teacher’s Guides, which will be launched officially at the 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.
