Who is Father Elias Greer (Grivakos)?

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Maria
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Who is Father Elias Greer (Grivakos)?

Post by Maria »

Upon doing an Internet search, I found this information at NFTU: http://nftu.net/fr-elias-greer-begins-n ... -endeavor/
However, Fr. Elias Greer was not listed in the current parish directory of Met. John (LoBue).

July 28, 2010
(source: milansynodusa.org) A new priest and mission have been received into the Holy Synod of Milan in Texas.

Fr Elias Greer is in charge of St Athanasius Orthodox Church, San Angelo, Texas as a mission under Archbishop John of New York and New Jersey to preach the Gospel and engage in missionary work there.

Rev. Fr. Elias Greer (Grivakos), a Greek-American, is a graduate of Angelo State University receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1974. At the same time, as one of Angelo State University’s original members to organize ROTC on campus, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant the U.S. Air Force. After serving his obligation in the Air Force as a pilot in training, he returned to Texas and owned or operated several restaurants in cities of San Antonio, Dallas and San Angelo.

Almost 20 years later, he attended seminary at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston, Massachusetts and was awarded a Masters of Theology with honors in 1994 and was ordained to the Priesthood shortly thereafter. Father Elias is well-known as an opponent of ecumenism and modernism, always taking into account the importance of the Holy Canons and Sacred Tradition of Orthodoxy.

Father Elias is also an accomplished metalworker and church jeweler. He writes, “Presently, I supplement my income by designing and casting custom jewelry pieces for private individuals, organizations, or local jewelers. Mostly, I make crosses and pendants, but I can make most anything.” A website detailing and showcasing his excellent work will, God willing, also be available shortly.

While there is no street address given for this church in San Angelo, Texas, there is a phone number and email address provided at http://www.stathanasios.com/contact

Please note: this is for information only. Any gossip will be removed.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.

Agios_Irineos
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Re: Who is Father Elias Greer (Grivakos)?

Post by Agios_Irineos »

He was in the OCA, where he was made a subdeacon. Old online repositories contain allegations that he concealed a second marriage from ABp. Dmitri at that time. (https://listserv.okstate.edu/scripts/wa ... ab23.0701C) He was later ordained a priest in the GOA. He was suspended from the priesthood for reasons I do not know. (https://orthodoxreform.wordpress.com/20 ... t/#more-25) He then went to ROAC. (http://nftu.net/fr-elias-greer-received-into-roac/). He was the Chancellor of ROAC. Then he went to Met. John. In 2015 he was claiming to be under a Met. Daniel of Milan (https://web.archive.org/web/20151119035 ... asios.com/). At one point he was claiming to be GOC-Stephanos, but looking at his website now, it shows no affiliation whatsoever.

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Barbara
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Re: Who is Father Elias Greer (Grivakos)?

Post by Barbara »

I remember when Fr Elias authored a few press releases for Archbishop Andrei of ROAC. From the lofty position of Chancellor, Fr Elias vanished from that scene.

I always wondered WHO he was. Now we have a better idea. Thank you, Father and Maria, for this quick bio.
That represents the best the internet can offer to piece together this Priest's career.

So he jumped to Milan after ROAC and then joined vague other jurisdictions ?

He sounds talented as a creator of Church-related jewelry and adornment. I would be curious to see his work.

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Barbara
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Re: Who is Father Elias Greer (Grivakos)?

Post by Barbara »

I am looking at his site on "Etsy".

Reviews are quite positive. One person, who ordered a Russian Orthodox Cross, wrote [ with A mispelling ] :



Anonymous on Sep 27, 2012
5 out of 5 stars
"Fr. Elias' service is above & beyond excellent. He made an Orthodox Cross for my best friend's birthday on short notice & upgraded the shipping to priority shipping to insure that I would receive with plenty of advance time, but did not pass a long the cost to me despite my advance offer to cover this. He kept in constant contact & continually updated me on the status of my order. Enabled me to give my best friend the perfect, well thought out gift; in fact those were my best friend's exact words when she opened the gift. Will definately be patronizing his shop in the future & will suggest his products when ever possible."

Here is the website address of his shop "Heavenly Creations"
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Grivakos

Fr Elias describes himself here as "Semi-Retired Greek Orthodox Priest"
What about the time spent in Russian jurisdictions such as ROAC and Milan ?- !

I only see one pendant which I would want to buy. The jewelry looks tacky to me, but may well appeal to many women today.

Fr Elias offers some Jewish symbols, such as a menorah, to happy customers. Unusual.

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