Q: In your view, what is the spiritual significance of being Greek today—especially for younger generations living in a fast-moving world?

A: The spiritual significance lies in living by the ideals of true Hellenism. That’s where the idea of virtue comes in—education, philosophy, excellence. Greek families often push their children to reach the next level. I often say that when Greek immigrants came to the United States and other countries, they washed dishes and cleaned floors. The next generation owned the restaurants. The generation after that became the doctors and lawyers who dined at those restaurants. This drive to excel is part of our culture. It's not just philosophical or virtuous—it’s a deep expression of our values: family, faith, tradition. Even our language—we’re one of the few ethnic groups in the U.S. where, after three, four, or five generations, people still speak some level of Greek. We hold onto our culture not only through language and the Church but also through music and dance. In places like Iowa or Idaho, maybe people have forgotten how to speak Greek, but their children still know the dances. That cultural identity ties us back to the pride we have in Hellenism. I once had a friend in England tell me, “We have a proud history in this country as well.” I said, “Yes, I know. We gave you the alphabet to write it.” It may sound prideful, but it speaks to who we are—people of education, of letters. And when we speak of the spiritual aspect, look at how we go to church. Families go together. We pray together. We associate with a greater community. That connection builds the spiritual foundation.

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Q: Can philosophy be a pathway to spiritual truth, or does it ultimately fall short without faith?

A: I have to answer this as a Christian—and as a Christian leader. Philosophy, by itself, will fall short. It’s like when people talk about justice and social justice. Social justice may be what a society believes is just, but it might not be the justice of God.

 

Philosophy can elevate you—it speaks of virtue, education, discipline. And there is mentorship in philosophy that parallels Christian ideas—like the concept of a spiritual father.

But philosophy can exist independently of God, of the Church, and of faith. So as an Orthodox Christian, I must view it through that lens. Faith ultimately calls us to a higher level that philosophy alone can’t reach.

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Q: What inspired you to pursue a life in the Church?

A: Several things. First, I come from a long line of clergy—there’s a Levitical expression in the Old Testament about the Levites being priests. That applies to my family on my father's side.

On my mother’s side, there were nuns. My parents took us to church regularly as a family. We prayed together. When we traveled by car—we didn’t fly much in those days—we sang hymns of the Church. But beyond family influence, I believe in a divine calling. God calls us to serve His people. I’m not an extremist in theology or faith—there has to be balance with action.

For example, I work on programs against human trafficking. Our diocese runs food banks—one of them feeds 4,000 people a month. Without action, theology is incomplete.

And then, of course, there’s that inner voice that says, “Come, my priest.” You feel you can offer something. We’re not going to save the world—salvation already came through Jesus Christ. But we try to help others along the way. Christianity, in my view, isn’t about extremism—left or right. It’s about truth. And walking that path of truth.

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Q: If you could pass down one philosophical teaching to the next generation, what would it be?

A: “Know thyself.”I believe that Socrates’s words are essential. We often don’t truly know who we are. We hide from the world. We try to change ourselves for all sorts of reasons—fear, shame, insecurity. But we need to know ourselves—as individuals, as human beings. Not try to become something we are not. You have to say, “I accept myself, because I am the perfect me.” And you are the perfect you. If we all accepted each other in that way, the world would be better off. Fear holds us back—“I don’t want people to know my baggage.” But if you’re secure in who you are, you don’t need to be afraid.

 

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Q: How do you think someone can overcome that fear of expressing who they really are?

A: First, a lot of breathing. Second, in the Orthodox tradition, a good spiritual father.

And third, you just need courage. You get to the edge of the cliff and say, “I’m going to skydive—and I’m not afraid.”And when you take that leap, sometimes you soar like an eagle.

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Q: How do you measure success as an Archbishop, and does philosophy influence your definition of success?

A: Success isn’t about position or material gain. I’ve met presidents, queens, kings—people born into titles. Success, for me, is when someone works hard, grows, matures, and learns to live with kindness, generosity, and love. Philosophy teaches us to strive toward virtue. For those who study, it gives direction—a pathway toward virtuous calling. And what is the “virtuous calling”? To become—what people might call—a good person. But defining “goodness” is complex. Just like justice, it's not always clear. That’s why faith and wisdom must guide us.