GOARCH Announces Clergy Assignments Across New York Parishes

L to R: Rev. Fr. Elias Villis, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne; Abp. Elpidophoros; and Reverend Protopresbyter Paschalios Legato. Photo: orthodoxobserver.org

NEW YORK — His Eminence Abp. Elpidophoros has announced a series of clergy assignments and appointments across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH), affecting parishes in New York City, Brooklyn, Albany, and Schenectady. The changes, set to take effect in June and July 2026, include new pastoral leadership as well as transfers of experienced clergy to historic parish communities.

Among the key assignments, Protopresbyter Paschalios Legato will be appointed to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Schenectady, New York, effective July 1, 2026. A veteran clergyman who previously served for 37 years at St. Sophia Church in Albany, he also began his ministry in Greenlawn, New York, after completing theological studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Separately, Presbyter Neofitos Sarigiannis, who has been serving in Schenectady, will transition to St. Sophia Church in Albany on the same date, continuing a ministry that includes parish leadership, vicariate service, and liturgical involvement.

In New York City, Fr. Gregory Gounardes has been appointed Proistamenos (senior priest) of Saints Demetrios and George Greek Orthodox Church, effective June 16, 2026. A Brooklyn native and graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, he was ordained to the priesthood in 2025 after serving in pastoral and educational roles within the Archdiocese. Also effective that same day, Archimandrite Michael Giavris will be assigned to Kimisis Church in Brooklyn while continuing his broader ecclesiastical service in the Archdiocese and previously in diocesan administrative and liturgical roles.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros of America led the funeral for Elder Joseph in New York.

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