A Leadership Journey
Rooted in Tradition and Built for Today
A two-year leadership formation program created specifically for Orthodox clergy which unites spiritual depth, pastoral clarity, and proven leadership practices so priests can serve with strength, balance, and joy.
Why This Matters Now
The Greek Orthodox Church in America stands at a unique moment. Unprecedented numbers of inquirers and catechumens are seeking the fullness of Orthodox faith. Yet many devoted priests struggle with the increasing demands of ministry, often at the cost of their own spiritual health and family life.
Seminary provides theological formation. What it doesn’t provide is leadership development, parish management, or the tools for personal sustainability. Upon graduating, priests are prepared to celebrate the liturgy and teach the faith, but are often unprepared to lead teams, manage budgets, delegate effectively, or protect their own families from the demands of ministry.
The cost shows up in burned-out priests, strained marriages, plateaued parishes, and clergy who leave ministry within a decade because the weight becomes unsustainable.This program addresses a sacred responsibility. Because when priests lead well while remaining spiritually grounded, entire parishes flourish.
Our Mission
To equip Orthodox clergy with proven personal disciplines and pastoral leadership tools, enabling them to shepherd their flocks with greater effectiveness while maintaining their own spiritual vitality and family relationships, achieving what we call the “Double Win.”
Our Vision
- Strengthen pastoral effectiveness while preserving the contemplative life that is essential to Orthodox spirituality
- Support clergy wellness so priests can serve faithfully for decades
- Prepare parishes for growth as increasing numbers seek Orthodox faith and community
- Build brotherhood among clergy across metropolises, strengthening the entire Church
A Two-Year Formation Journey
The Leadership Accelerator is a comprehensive two-year program combining in-person retreats, one-on-one coaching, peer group gatherings, and embedded leadership practices. Built specifically for Orthodox pastoral ministry, it integrates spiritual formation with practical leadership development.
Each cohort includes up to 8 priests who journey together through 6 intensive retreats, 18 individual coaching sessions, and 18 group formation calls over two years. The small cohort size creates genuine brotherhood and allows for deeply personalized guidance tailored to each priest’s unique parish context.
Participants engage with proven leadership frameworks while maintaining full fidelity to Orthodox theology and practice. Every element of the curriculum has been carefully reviewed by Orthodox theological advisors to ensure alignment with our tradition.
Approved by the Holy Eparchial Synod
The Leadership Accelerator is approved by the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago offers program oversight as a liaison to the Synod.
Every aspect of the curriculum has been carefully reviewed and structured to reflect and uphold Orthodox theology and pastoral priorities. With Father Panagiotis Boznos serving as theological advisor and Father Mark Leondis serving as facilitator and coach, the program ensures that leadership principles are integrated in ways fully consistent with Orthodox teaching.
We uphold the timeless principles of stewardship, community, and balanced living that have always shaped the Orthodox tradition, offering them in a clear and systematic way to meet today's pastoral challenges.
Featured Testimonials
Father George Lamberis
St. Spyridon, Palos Heights, IL
“Looking back, one of the better decisions I made in a long time was asking to be enrolled in the Metropolis’ Clergy Leadership Accelerator. I am rediscovering the blessings of being a good father, husband, and priest, and how balancing all three is crucial to my ministry.”
Father Mark Leondis, Saint Mark
Boca Raton, FL
“The tools I have gained from this experience have been transformative. The brotherhood was outstanding, the curriculum was excellent, and His Eminence’s fatherly and brotherly leadership was a true gift. Thanks to this program, Saint Mark just hired our second full-time administrator; our Parish Council Meetings are succinct and focused; I have learned healthy boundaries between work and family; my health is on a great course; my family life has been blessed; I have started a Peer Clergy Book Group and my work is more focused!”
Father George Lamberis
St. Spyridon, Palos Heights, IL
“Looking back, one of the better decisions I made in a long time was asking to be enrolled in the Metropolis’ Clergy Leadership Accelerator. I am rediscovering the blessings of being a good father, husband, and priest, and how balancing all three is crucial to my ministry.”
Father Mark Leondis, Saint Mark
Boca Raton, FL
“The tools I have gained from this experience have been transformative. The brotherhood was outstanding, the curriculum was excellent, and His Eminence’s fatherly and brotherly leadership was a true gift. Thanks to this program, Saint Mark just hired our second full-time administrator; our Parish Council Meetings are succinct and focused; I have learned healthy boundaries between work and family; my health is on a great course; my family life has been blessed; I have started a Peer Clergy Book Group and my work is more focused!”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We have achieved four years of transformation together, with over 30 priests across three Metropolises. We aim to continue this important work through national expansion, which has been approved for Fall 2026.
