PARISH CLERGY
V. Rev. Andrew Barakos, Presiding Priest
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. He served on the Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology Board of Trustees and is Fr. Andrew is currently serving on the Archdiocesan Council.
Rev. 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, and a daughter, Sophia.
Rev. Fr. George Miller | Assistant Priest & Youth Director
Fr. George serves Assumption Church as the assistant priest and youth director. A native of New Mexico, George’s journey took him to Arizona to study at Grand Canyon University. It was there that he not only discovered his calling to serve the Church but also met his wife, Chloe. After earning his Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2025, George and Chloe have been richly blessed to return to Assumption Church.
Fr. George’s heart is set on walking alongside our youth, college students, and young adults. He is passionate about making the beauty of Orthodoxy accessible, vibrant, and transformative for the next generation. If you have questions about the faith, need someone to pray with, want to get involved with the Church’s ministries, or just want to grab a coffee and talk, Fr. George is always ready to listen. Contact Fr. George at frgeorge@assumptionaz.org or to find a time to meet, click here.
Parish Staff
Mary Drobny | Office Administrator
Mary serves as the Church Office Administrator at Assumption, where she is grateful for the opportunity to support the parish, its clergy, and the broader church community. With a background in special education, Mary has spent much of her career serving children with diverse needs and advocating for those with developmental disabilities. She is currently pursuing her master's degree through Arizona State University to continue growing in her ability to serve others as a BCBA.
Drawn to Assumption by the genuine mercy, kindness, and love she experienced within the parish community, Mary saw the opportunity to serve the Church in an administrative role as a natural extension of her faith. In addition to her work in the church office, Mary also serves in the Heavenly Coffee House, where she enjoys welcoming parishioners and helping create a warm, hospitable environment on Sunday mornings. Mary is especially passionate about missions work and finding practical ways to support those in need.
When she is not at work, Mary loves to spend time with friends and family, hike and study marine ecology, which has given her a greater appreciation for God’s creation.