Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Ordains Seminarian!

Truly He is Worthy - Seminarian Ordained At Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Anthony Cook has arrived in Michigan from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston to become the assistant priest at Assumption Church in the cities of St. Clair Shores and Grosse Pointe Woods. He was ordained to the Diaconate on Saturday, July 28, 9:30 a.m. and to the priesthood on Sunday, July 29, 9:30 a. m. during a Hierarchical Liturgy. Father Michael Varlamos, Senior Priest looks forward to the ordination and Anthony's educational development at Assumption.

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit expects Assumption to be a training experience for seminarians every two years. He believes the parish is unique and an exceptional place to develop pastoral skills.

Anthony was born in Flagstaff, Arizona, where most of his family still resides. He comes from a large family; he is the oldest of eight children, six boys and two girls. He went on to study at Hillsdale College where he encountered and developed an interest in the Orthodox faith. He also met his future wife Elisabeth. After a period of study, they converted to Orthodoxy together in 2001. They both majored in Classical Studies; Anthony's studies emphasized Ancient Greek and Elisabeth's emphasized Latin.
Anthony and his wife graduated in spring of 2003 with degrees in Classics. Anthony graduated with departmental honors, while minoring in journalism and serving as the Opinions Editor of the college newspaper for his final year. He has worked in composite engineering and production, medical records, catering and other customer service industries over the past eight years, in addition to his academic work.

Their parish priest encouraged them both to attend Holy Cross and that fall they moved to Boston, where Elisabeth studied for one year and Anthony for four. In January of 2007 they were blessed with a wonderful son, Justin. Anthony graduated from Holy Cross in spring of 2007 with a Masters of Divinity.

While at Holy Cross he was vice-president of his class for two years, representing the class on the board of the Student Government Association. For two and a half years, he was one of eight protopsaltes responsible for chanting the services in the chapel at Holy Cross on a rotating basis. He also served as cantor at Holy Trinity Church in Concord, NH for the past two years.

Anthony's interests and hobbies include ancient history, with a particular interest in late antiquity (between A.D. 300 and 600), philosophy, and sociology at an amateur level. He is also a cellist and enjoys music. Anthony and his family are very excited to begin his ministry at Assumption and look forward to many years of serving the Church together.
For additional information regarding the ordination, please contact the Assumption Church office, 586-779-6111 ext 3.

Malista!