PARISH CLERGY

Fr. Andrew was born on December 14, 1961, in Berkeley, California. His parents, John and Eva Barakos, raised him in Lafayette, California, along with two older sisters and a younger brother. After graduating from Acalanes High School in 1980, Fr. Andrew attended Cal State Hayward as a biology major. After making a decision to change his major in 1984, Father Andrew received a calling to the priesthood. He enrolled at Hellenic College, Brookline, MA, in January, 1985. While on staff that summer at the Athenagoras Retreat Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he met his future presvytera Andrea Contos from Denver Colorado. Presvytera Andrea holds a Bachelor in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. On December 28, 1986 they were married at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Denver. On May 16, 1987, Fr. Andrew graduated from Hellenic College with a Bachelor of Arts. On May 19, 1990, Fr. Andrew graduated with distinction from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology with the degree Master of Divinity.

As a seminarian graduate, Fr. Andrew was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Anthony of San Francisco, on March 17, 1991 at his home parish of the Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, California. On April 1, 1991, Fr. Andrew received his first appointment to St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, California. On May 12, 1991, Fr. Andrew was elevated from the Deaconate to the Holy Priesthood. Presvytera Andrea gave birth to their first child Evan on August 17, 1992. Fr. Andrew and Presvytera Andrea received their second appointment on March 1, 1995 to serve the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. On May 3, 1995, Presvytera gave birth to their second son Nicholas. On March 27, 1998, Presvytera gave birth to their third son Alexios.

Since 1995, Fr. Andrew Barakos has been the priest of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is currently, the vicar of the southwestern region of the Metropolis of San Francisco. Fr. Andrew is currently serving on the San Francisco Metropolis Council, the Commission on Missions and Evangelism of the Metropolis and the Archdiocesan Council. He is a past member of the Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology Board of Trustees.

Alex+Laura Wedding - Ashtyn Nicole Photo352.jpeg

Fr. Jacob Saylor, Assistant Priest

Fr. Jacob has worked extensively in field of Orthodox youth and young adult ministry since 2007, and was ordained to the priesthood in February 2018. Following his studies from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School Of Theology in 2011, Fr. Jacob worked as a youth director for Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco, from 2011-2015, during which time he also served as program director for the Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp.

He and his wife Presvytera Jordan, who is originally from Modesto, California, have been blessed by God with two sons, Jack and Benjamin.

PARISH MINISTRY STAFF

George Miller, Office Administrator

George Miller serves the Assumption Parish as the Office Administrator. A native of New Mexico, George moved to Arizona to pursue his college education at Grand Canyon University.

George has been involved with many ministries of the Assumption Church including Byzantine Chant, Young Adult Ministry, and helping at youth events like GOYA and First Fridays. As an emerging college graduate, George brings and new perspective to his work alongside his incredible zeal and love for our Orthodox Faith. Contact George at office@assumptionaz.org

Niko Paris, Youth Director

Nicholas is Assumption’s youth director, engaging with youth in a remarkable way. Niko was born in California but not living there for long, his family moved to Minnesota and later to Portland, Oregon. After graduating high school in 2020, he began his college career at Grand Canyon University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health sciences. He graduates in 2024.

Niko has been involved in Assumption’s youth ministries during the last couple of years, volunteering time with GOYA and First Fridays. He also participated in the Greek dance program both as a dancer in the young adult group and as instructor for the 3rd-5th graders. Last summer, Niko worked on Staff at Ionian Village in Greece, counseling youth during their pilgrimage to Greece! Nicholas can be contacted at youth@assumptionaz.org

Anastazius Khayatidaryan, Music Director (Protopsaltis)

Anastazius Khayatidaryan is the protopsaltis (head chanter) and music director at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. His passion for Byzantine chant and his proficiency in this ancient musical style drive his ministry. As the head chanter, he leads the choir during church services, setting the tone and creating a beautiful atmosphere of worship through his music.

In addition to leading the choir, Anastazius also serves as a teacher of Byzantine Music. He is known for his engaging and informative classes, where he shares his knowledge and love of this musical tradition with others. Whether leading the congregation in worship or teaching others about Byzantine Music, Anastazius is a beloved and valued member of the church community, and his talent and dedication continue to inspire all those around him. Contact Anastazius at chant@assumptionaz.org.