Learn About Our Story
Evangelist Luke Orthodox Mission Church began as a calling of Father Gregory’s heart and a need he saw again and again in the Mid-Hudson Valley: people hungry for the fullness of the Orthodox faith, seeking a spiritual home that felt both faithful and approachable.
Learn About Our Story
Evangelist Luke Orthodox Mission Church began as a calling of Father Gregory’s heart and a need he saw again and again in the Mid-Hudson Valley: people hungry for the fullness of the Orthodox faith, seeking a spiritual home that felt both faithful and approachable.
Roots That Formed a Priest
Father Gregory was raised by Greek parents who taught him to love both the United States—their new home—and the faith of their ancestors. That upbringing shaped a simple conviction: the Orthodox Church is ancient and universal, not bound to any one culture. From early on, he learned to honor heritage without turning it into a boundary.
Roots That Formed a Priest
Father Gregory was raised by Greek parents who taught him to love both the United States—their new home—and the faith of their ancestors. That upbringing shaped a simple conviction: the Orthodox Church is ancient and universal, not bound to any one culture. From early on, he learned to honor heritage without turning it into a boundary.
Learning What Truly Saves
During seminary and early ministry, Father Gregory focused on the essentials of salvation—the worship of the Church, the sacraments, prayer, and the healing of the human soul in Christ. He also saw how cultural habits can sometimes blur the heart of Orthodoxy. That insight became a guiding thread: preserve the tradition; remove the stumbling blocks.
Ordained to Serve, Called to Build
Ordained to the priesthood in 2006 through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, Father Gregory served with gratitude and gained a pastor’s eye for what people truly need: clear teaching, steady prayer, and a place where questions are welcomed.
In 2017, he transferred to ROCOR with a blessing to begin a mission grounded in Holy Tradition and open to all who seek Christ.
Ordained to Serve, Called to Build
Ordained to the priesthood in 2006 through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, Father Gregory served with gratitude and gained a pastor’s eye for what people truly need: clear teaching, steady prayer, and a place where questions are welcomed.
In 2017, he transferred to ROCOR with a blessing to begin a mission grounded in Holy Tradition and open to all who seek Christ.
Why Highland—and Why a Mission
Father Gregory’s approach is simple and steady: establish a Christ-centered community, based on prayer, teaching, and forming relationships. Father embraces one’s yearning for Christ, and has a distinct ability to elevate one’s passion for Him. He is accessible before and after services and makes space for one-on-one conversations—whether someone is taking a first step toward Orthodoxy or returning after many years away. His goal is the healing of the human soul in Christ, offered with humility and patience.
What Took Shape at ELOMC
From the beginning, ELOMC set out to be a faithful Orthodox presence—worshiping humbly, learning by praying together, and keeping community close.
Father Gregory kept the doors open—literally and pastorally—so conversations could continue after services and those taking first steps could find clarity without pressure.
Ethnic traditions are honored as personal expressions; Christ and Holy Tradition remain the anchor for everyone.
What We’re Building for the Next Generation
Our hope is simple: to hand the treasure of the Church to future generations with the same reverence we received it—clear, beautiful, and alive. That means worship that is traditional and prayerful, teaching that speaks plainly, and fellowship that makes a stranger feel at home from day one.
Take the Next Steps
The best way to know our community is to experience it. Plan a Visit to join us for worship, or Contact Us to reach out directly. We look forward to welcoming you into the life of Christ’s Church.
Take the Next Steps
The best way to know our community is to experience it. Plan a Visit to join us for worship, or Contact Us to reach out directly. We look forward to welcoming you into the life of Christ’s Church.