Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, D.C. is excited to announce that the Very Reverend Kallinikos (Ioannis) Chasapis has joined the community as their new assistant priest. Fr. Kallinikos brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to our faith, and a dynamic vision that will undoubtedly enrich the community.
Fr. Kallinikos was born on June 24, 1997, in Argos, Greece, into a family with a strong clerical heritage. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Department of Pastoral and Social Theology at Aristotle University’s School of Theology in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2019. He also holds a degree in Byzantine music from the Greek Conservatory of Athens (2017) and a teaching diploma in Byzantine music from the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki (2019). He is currently enrolled in a graduate program, set to be completed in the fall of 2024.
Ordained to the Diaconate by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on July 22, 2018, at the Patriarchal Church of Saint George in Istanbul, Fr. Kallinikos was soon after elevated to “Patriarchal Deacon-in-Line,” serving both at the Phanar and abroad in London.
In 2020, the Ecumenical Patriarch directed Fr. Kallinikos to pursue further studies in the United States, where he also enhanced his English language skills. During this period, he served Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s headquarters in New York City and our community as a Deacon.
At the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Fr. Kallinikos served as the Second Deacon to the Ecumenical Patriarch, managing various administrative protocols, ecclesial affairs, and liturgical matters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Archdiocese of Constantinople. He has accompanied the Patriarch on numerous religious and official visits worldwide, including the Apostolic Visit to the United States in October 2021. On August 31, 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America ordained Fr. Kallinikos Chasapis to the priesthood at the Patriarchal Church of St. George at the Phanar.
Fr. Kallinikos is eager to bring his invaluable experience from the Orthodox Church’s uppermost echelons back to America. His profound love for the Church and the Faith shines through his dedication to instilling these values in the hearts and minds of our youth and all the faithful of the Archdiocese.
Having previously served at the central offices of the Archdiocese in New York and at Saints Constantine & Helen, Fr. Kallinikos is poised to be an ideal addition to the community. His unique skills and dynamic vision will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective to local initiatives and wider outreach in the greater metropolitan area of Washington, D.C.
Sts. Constantine and Helen invites all parishioners and community members to join them in welcoming Fr. Kallinikos to the community. They are confident that his presence will enrich the parish’s spiritual life and help the community grow in faith and community service under the guidance of their presiding priest, Fr. Dimitrios. With his leadership and mentoring, Fr. Kallinikos will help to develop ministries and provide their people with the best possible worship experience.
Photo: GOARCH/Dimitrios Panagos.
