Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Leadership Accelerator
Table of Contents
Approval & Ecclesiastical Authority
Yes. The Leadership Accelerator is approved by the Holy Eparchial Synod. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago offers program oversight as a liaison to the Synod. The curriculum has been carefully reviewed by multiple priests to uphold Orthodox theology and pastoral priorities.
The Holy Eparchial Synod has approved the program, and its official approval provides appropriate ecclesiastical endorsement. However, clergy should discuss participation with their respective Hierarch, as with any significant formation commitment.
Fr. Panagiotis Boznos (St. Athanasios, Aurora, Illinois and Vicar General for the Metropolis of Chicago) and Father Mark Leondis (St. Mark, Boca Raton, Florida) serve as facilitators and program coaches. Rev. David Limiero and Rev. Scott Caldwell are ordained ministers with extensive pastoral experience who provide leadership expertise under Orthodox theological oversight.
In addition to his role as a coach and facilitator, Fr. Panagiotis Boznos serves as theological advisor, ensuring full alignment with Orthodox tradition and practice.
No. The program explicitly rejects that approach. It integrates spiritual life, practical wisdom, and proven leadership practices in ways fully consistent with Orthodox teaching, designed for real pastoral application.
Cost & Funding
The program costs $15,000 per year ($30,000 total for the two-year journey).
This includes tuition, meals, and planned activities/excursions. Lodging and transportation to and from retreats are not included.
Participants have ongoing access to resources in the coaching portal, including updated curriculum, at no additional charge.
Alumni have found that the peer support in the program leads to relationships that last well beyond the two years of the formal program.
Alumni coaching is available after the two-year program at a significantly-discounted clergy rate.
A grant covers 60% of the cost ($9,000 per year). The recommended contribution is:
- Parish: 30% ($4,500 per year)
- Priest: 10% ($1,500 per year)
This shared investment reflects mutual benefit for priest and parish. This shared stewardship model creates greater ownership for all stakeholders—when everyone contributes, everyone is invested in the transformation.
Travel to and from the live retreats and lodging are not covered in the program cost.
We work with hotels and retreat centers to get discounted block room rates for each venue.
We recommend that your parish cover the costs of travel as part of their investment in your spiritual and professional development.
Yes. Cohort relationships continue beyond graduation, creating long-term support networks and collaboration.
Participants also have ongoing access to resources in the Coaching Portal.
Alumni coaching is available after graduation for an additional annual cost.
Structure & Time Commitment
Over two years, participants engage in:
- 6 live retreats (3 per year, 3 days per retreat)
- 18 individual sessions with your Leadership Accelerator coach (9 per year, 45 minutes each)
- 18 group formation gatherings (9 per year, 75-90 minutes each)
Live retreats start early on Tuesday mornings and end at midday on Thursday. We encourage all participants to fly or drive in Monday evening and join us for the included Monday dinner. Individual and group sessions are held virtually on Zoom and are scheduled in advance for the months that we do not meet live. All participants have access to a coaching portal with their session notes, journaling tools, trackers for actions and habits, files and worksheets, online courses, and online group discussions.
Cohorts typically include 8 priests, fostering genuine brotherhood, honest conversation, and personalized attention.
The six retreats focus on:
- Stewarding Sacred Time
- Empowering and Equipping People
- Knowing Your Genius & Parish Mission/Values
- Team Development & Pruning for Greater Fruitfulness
- Leading Change Through Resistance
- Team Alignment & Positive Parish Culture
Topics and themes are updated regularly to match the needs in each cohort.
This isn’t just leadership theory. There’s a strong emphasis on practical tools for personal, professional, and parish growth.
The last half-day of each retreat is focused on a 90-day Action Plan, and each live retreat includes multiple practical worksheets and exercises.
At last count there were over 65 unique tools and frameworks available through our coaching portal and new ones are being developed regularly.
Each priest receives personalized one-on-one guidance tailored to their parish context, helping apply retreat learnings, overcome obstacles, and maintain accountability.
Each priest receives personalized one-on-one guidance tailored to their parish context, helping apply retreat learnings, overcome obstacles, and maintain accountability.
Logistics & Scheduling
Yes. Scheduling respects major liturgical seasons and feast days.
This is a serious commitment, and we strongly encourage full participation in every retreat for all three days.
Retreat dates are set far in advance and carefully coordinated around important dates in the Orthodox calendar.
If a true and unavoidable emergency arises, your coach will work with you to help you catch up on anything you missed.
The six retreats focus on:
- Stewarding Sacred Time
- Empowering and Equipping People
- Knowing Your Genius & Parish Mission/Values
- Team Development & Pruning for Greater Fruitfulness
- Leading Change Through Resistance
- Team Alignment & Positive Parish Culture
Topics and themes are updated regularly to match the needs in each cohort.
This isn’t just leadership theory. There’s a strong emphasis on practical tools for personal, professional, and parish growth.
The last half-day of each retreat is focused on a 90-day Action Plan, and each live retreat includes multiple practical worksheets and exercises.
At last count there were over 65 unique tools and frameworks available through our coaching portal and new ones are being developed regularly.
Each priest receives personalized one-on-one guidance tailored to their parish context, helping apply retreat learnings, overcome obstacles, and maintain accountability.
Each priest receives personalized one-on-one guidance tailored to their parish context, helping apply retreat learnings, overcome obstacles, and maintain accountability.
Program Fit & Outcomes
This program began when Orthodox Deacon Michael Hyatt developed principles for business leaders through his Business Accelerator program. Metropolitan Nathanael and seven priests were participants in that program, which ended in 2023. Rev. David Limiero served as their coach.
Deacon Michael and Metropolitan Nathanael recognized the need for ongoing training specifically designed for Orthodox clergy and asked Rev. Limiero to further develop and contextualize the program.
Rebranded as Leadership Accelerator, the program started in January 2024 with two cohorts of 14 priests and Metropolitan Nathanael.
An additional two cohorts were started in 2025.
The Synod approved national expansion in September 2025, and new cohorts will start in fall 2026.
At year-end 2025, 15 priests have completed the program, including His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. An additional 16 priests are currently participating in the program and will graduate in 2026 and 2027. These priests serve parishes in three Metropolises (Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco) in states including Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Florida, and California.
