The faithful from Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA witnessed the ordination of Matthew Jouthas to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, February 11, 2023 and to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, February 12, 2023 by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. Also participating in the service were Rev. Father Michael Prevas, proistamenos from Saint Nicholas Church, Rev. Father Jon Magoulias – Pastor Emeritus from Annunciation Church in Modesto, CA; V. Rev. Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado – Chaplain, Hellenic College Holy Cross, Brookline, MA; Rev. Father Efstratios Magoulias – Annunciation Cathedral, Houston, TX; and Rev. Deacon Justin Bosl – Resurrection Church in Castro Valley, CA. Father Matthew now serves as the Assistant Priest at Saint Nicholas Church in Northridge, CA. Also present at the Diaconate ordination were: His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea; Rev. Father Gary Kyriacou – Saint Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles; Rev. Father Panagiotis Sotiras – Saint Basil, Stockton; and Rev. Father Nebojsa Pantic – Saint Nicholas, San Jose.
Father Matthew received his Master of Divinity degree in 2018 from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and his Bachelor Arts in Religious Studies in 2015 from Hellenic College. Following graduation, he worked as the Pastoral Assistant at Saint Basil Church in Stockton, CA from June 2018 – August 2021. He then became the Pastoral Assistant at Saint Nicholas Church in Northridge, CA in September 2021, immersing himself in the community, supporting the growth and development of ministries, and engaging with the youth.
Father Matthew grew up in the parish of Resurrection in Castro Valley, CA where he was active in Sunday School, Greek Dance, GOYA and served as an Altar Boy. He served as a counselor at Saint Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp, and attended several young adult retreats and conferences.
Father Matthew married to Presvytera Anna (Heliotis) in July 2022, and they are excited to begin this new chapter in their marriage and ministry.
AXIOS Father Matthew!
Photo Credit: Allen Altchech Photography