Clergy

Meet Father

Fr. John Alassaf was born in Hama, Syria. From his family, Fr. John inherited a strong dedication to the Antiochian Orthodox Christian faith. As a child and during his teens, Fr. John served as an altar boy, sub-deacon, and deacon. Following his graduation from high school, Fr. John enrolled in the Balamand University Seminary in Lebanon and in Athens, Greece.

Upon returning to Syria, he married Kh. Rania, who is an excellent helpmate, chairing fundraising events to send our children to Antiochian Village and the St. George Food Festival, and she is also very active in the Antiochian Women. Together they have three sons: Elie, Jacob, and Anthony.

Fr. John was assigned later by the thrice-blessed Metropolitan Saliba to assist the late Fr. Lou Mahshie at St. George Church in Akron, Ohio in 2009. He served as an assistant priest for six years. Upon Fr. Lou's passing to life eternal in 2015, Fr. John was elevated to become St. George, Akron's pastor. In 2017 he presided over St. George Antiochian Church's 100th Anniversary.

Fr. John has continued the ministry of his predecessor, Fr. Lou, with a strong outreach and support of immigrant communities from Middle Eastern conflicts. He devotes many hours of his ministry instructing catechumens who are drawn to the ancient tradition of Orthodox Christianity. Finally, he is strong in his devotion to visiting and comforting parishioners at their homes, hospital rooms, and rest homes.

V. Reverend Father John Alassaf, Pastor

mail@stgeorgeakron.com

(234) 817-2744