Father Michael Petrides Begins Ministry at St. George

Father Michael Petrides was born on January 30, 1947 in Steubenville, Ohio.  Following his high school graduation, Father attended West Liberty State University, where he graduated with Honors in 1970.

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Public Speaking, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Educational Administration.  In 1973 , Father Michael was accepted into the Graduate Program at the University of Dayton and was awarded the Masters of Science Degree in Educational Administration in 1975, graduating number two in his class.  In the  fall of 1975, Father was accepted into the Post Graduate Program at the University of Dayton where he became a Doctoral Candidate specializing in the field of Educational Administration and Counseling.

Prior to his ordination, Father Michael was also blessed to have had the opportunity and experience of being a school teacher, assistant vice-principal, and the youngest City Councilman to ever have served in the City of Steubenville.

On June 27, 1976, Father Michael and Presvytera Eleni were married at the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hartford, Connecticut.  They are blessed with one son, Sam, age 29.

Accepted in advanced standing by the faculty of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, Father Michael entered the seminary in 1977, and graduated with Honors and Distinction in 1979 with a Masters of Divinity Degree.  Father was ordained to the Holy Deaconate on April 16, 1978 by His Grace Gerasimos, and ordained to the Holy Priesthood on April 23, 1979 by His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos.  Both Ordinations were performed in his beloved home parish of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Steubenville, Ohio.

Father Michael has served with distinction and honor, parishes in the Metropolis' of Atlanta and Pittsburgh.  He had the unique opportunity and privilege to build a church in Raleigh, North Carolina that today has a membership of over 500 families.  After fourteen years of ministry, Father was appointed Dean of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio.

In 1982, Father Michael was elevated to the rank of Father Confessor and was given the Epigonation by Bishop John of Atlanta; and in November of 1987, he was elevated to the rank of Economos and was given the Pectoral Cross by Archbishop Iakovos.  In April of 1994, due to his achievements, Metropolitan Maximos bestowed upon Father Michael the highest rank that a married clergyman can receive which is the rank of Protopresbyter.

During Father's ministry, he has had the honor of serving as a member of the Archdiocesan Council, the Metropolis of Atlanta Council, and Vice-Chairman of the North Carolina Council of Churches.

On August 1, 2006, Father Michael was appointed by  Metropolitan Alexios as Proistamenos of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in New Port Richey, Florida, where he looks forward to a very fruitful and blessed ministry.

 "Coming Together Is A Beginning

Working Together Is Progress

And

Staying Together Is Success."

Messages by Fr. Michael