Fr. Iakovos

Our Spiritual Director Fr. Iakovos Olechnowicz was ordained as a Greek Orthodox priest in 1987. He currently serves a parish priest for the Traverse City Greek Orthodox Mission Church of the Greek Metropolis of Detroit. Father Iakovos began his affiliation with the Foundation as a volunteer in July 2007. In January 2009 he was appointed Spiritual Director to replace Father Edwin Thome who retired after nine years of service.

Father Iakovos holds a BS Degree from Pennsylvania State University, a theological degree from Christ the Saviour Orthodox Theological Seminary, a MBA for St. Francis University and completed course work in social work. He has served as a volunteer coordinator/chaplain for a hospital hospice and was chief financial officer for two different public school districts in Pennsylvania. From 1997-2002, Father Iakovos served as a Greek Orthodox missionary to the Republic of South Africa. There, he developed soup kitchens, clothing distribution centers and other aid to the poor of the Johannesburg area.