The Very Rev. John Jillions, an alumnus of our seminary, has accepted the position of Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), according to Archpriest Eric G. Tosi, secretary of the OCA. Father John was confirmed in his new position by the Holy Synod of Bishops at their fall session, upon the recommendation of the Metropolitan Council. As Chancellor, in accordance with the seminary statutes, Fr. John will become an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees of St. Vladimir's Seminary.
Father John, who earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 2005 and a Master of Divinity degree in 1980, also holds a Ph.D. in Theology (New Testament) from Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. Just prior to his appointment as Chancellor, he was an associate professor in the Faculty of Theology at the Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada. In addition to his scholarly and academic pursuits, he has had over 20 years of experience as a pastor in parish settings, and he has served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
You may read Fr. John’s fuller biography on the OCA Website here; the story includes a link to Fr. John's introductory letter to the Search Committee, which outlines his priorities as the new Chancellor.
