Parish Clergy
Rev. Dn. George Kazoulis, Assistant Priest
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Deacon George Kazoulis was born and raised in the island of Rhodes in Greece. He attended the Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy in Mount Athos from which he graduated as class Valedictorian. While attending the Academy, he also earned a Degree of Byzantine Music and a Degree of Iconography. Deacon George further expanded his musical aspirations and talent by earning a Teaching Degree of Byzantine Music and a Degree of Western Music in Monody, both from the Central Conservatory of Thessaloniki. His love for our Church and the Holy Priesthood, and his desire to serve the people of God, led him to pursue theological studies at the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki where he earned his Degree of Theology.
Throughout his fifteen years of experiences in the Church, Byzantine Music and the field of education, Deacon George served as the Choir Director for the Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy, Chief Chanter, Sunday School Director, Instructor of Theology, and Pastoral Assistant of Holy Cross Church in Rhodes, and Instructor of Byzantine and Traditional Music at various institutions in Rhodes. His understanding of human pain and suffering was developed through volunteer work at hospitals, nursing homes, and time spent working alongside children with special needs. He also volunteered in summer youth camps and participated in their extracurricular activities.
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Upon his arrival in the United States, Deacon George served as the Chief Chanter of the Patriarchal Monastery of Saint Irene in Astoria, NY. His final ministry prior to his ordination to the Holy Diaconate was the community of Saint Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, NY where he served diligently for four years in various capacities, including as a teacher of Religious Studies at Saint Demetrios Preparatory School and Chief Chanter of the Cathedral.
One of the greatest contributions to the work of God and our Holy Church which Deacon George holds very close to his heart is his involvement in missionary work for the Orthodox communities in Kenya and Uganda. Throughout his years of volunteering, Deacon George made several trips to Africa and served as the Administrative Director of the missionary work. In this capacity, he designed and printed brochures and pamphlets, and supervised the construction of schools, churches, orphanages, and homes in Uganda. In addition, he authorized the purchase and distribution of school supplies, food, clothing, and other necessities to assist the local communities and children of Africa.
Deacon George received many awards and recognitions for his excellence in Byzantine Music in various competitions and events and is a member of the Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir. His vast range of experiences, from specializing in Byzantine music to various pastoral ministries in and out of the church, have prepared him to prayerfully serve the faithful entrusted to him.