SAN FRANCISCO — His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco announced the appointment of the Archimandrite John E. Constantine as Chancellor as of June 1, 2020. Father John has been serving as priest in the Archdiocese for nearly 29 years and in the Metropolis of San Francisco since 1998.

Metropolitan Gerasimos stated that “Father John brings strong leadership abilities, a history of distinguished service as a clergyman, and strong administrative experience which will undoubtedly contribute to his success as Chancellor. He is a man of deep faith and commitment to his ministry, and he will bring new energy and direction to this important position.” Metropolitan Gerasimos added that “with a Metropolis as large and geographically diverse as ours, I am confident that Father John will be of tremendous support to our clergy and parishes, as well as to the continued growth and development of our ministries that serve our faithful.”

Father John Constantine was born in Richmond, Virginia to Ernest (of blessed emory) and Artemis Constantine. He and his family, including his sister, Frances Krushlenisky, and his brother Paul Constantine, were active stewards at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Richmond. Following his graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School, he enrolled at the University of Richmond, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (1979) and a Master of Science degree in Biology (1981). After working as the Operations Manager for an environmental consulting firm, he entered Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts in the fall of 1983 and received his Master of Divinity, with distinction, in 1987.

His first assignment after graduation from the Seminary was at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New Orleans where he served as the Lay Assistant for Youth Programs. While in New Orleans, he was accepted into the US Navy Chaplain Candidate Program and commissioned an Ensign in the US Naval Reserve on December 12, 1988. In 1989, he began his duties as an administrative assistant to the late Metropolitan Silas of New Jersey at the Archdiocesan Headquarters in New York City. In June 1990 he began a series of Navy training assignments on board the USS LEXINGTON (AVT-16) in Pensacola, Florida; Marine Corps Base in Camp Pendleton, California; and the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, California.

In October 1991, he received the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos to be ordained a celibate priest. On December 14, 1991 he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at his home parish of Saints Constantine and Helen in Richmond, Virginia, and on December 15, 1991 he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at Saint Elpis in Hopewell, Virginia by Metropolitan Silas. Although ordained for service to the US Navy, Father John was obedient to the needs of the Church and was assigned to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, New Jersey in February 1992. While serving at Saint George, Father John was appointed a regional Youth Commissioner for the Diocese of New Jersey. He also sat on the Spiritual Court for the New Jersey state region. He was conferred the offikion of Oikonomos on November 14, 1992. On July 23, 1995, His Excellency Metropolitan Silas elevated Father John to the ecclesiastical rank of Archimandrite prior to entering active service in the US Navy.

In August 1995, Lieutenant John E. Constantine, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy, reported for duty at the Naval Air Station, North Island in San Diego. He established a proactive flight line ministry to 14 helicopter squadrons, the Marine Corps Security Force Company, and various other units at North Island. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Greek Orthodox Chapel of the Holy Cross on board US Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.

While in San Diego, Father John assisted the parish of Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church whenever available. In October 1998 following his active duty tour, he was assigned to Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim, California as Associate Priest by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of San Francisco.