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. Fr. Andrew is currently serving on the San Francisco Metropolis Council and the Archdiocesan Council. He is a past member of the Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology Board of Trustees.

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.

PARISH MINISTRY STAFF

Paras Copenhaver | Office Administrator

Paras Copenhaver, born and raised in Warren, Ohio, is a dedicated member of the Greek Orthodox Church. After moving around the country with her husband, Blake, for his career, they settled in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they’ve lived for the past four years. Paras, who has been a stay-at-home mom to their two sons, Liam and Caleb, was raised in a church-centered household and continues to nurture that tradition in her own family. They have found a welcoming spiritual home at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, where Paras has been actively involved since their arrival.

Drawn to the position of office administrator due to her deep connection to church life, Paras sees this role as a natural extension of her lifelong involvement in the Orthodox community. Inspired by her parents' active participation in their home parish of St. Demetrios in Warren, Paras is eager to contribute to the growth and cohesion of Assumption.

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.

George Miller, Editor, Social Media, & Graphic Design

George Miller serves the Assumption parish as the Social Media Coordinator. A native of New Mexico, George moved to Arizona to attend college at Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix. Presently, he and his wife, Chloe (Xenia), live in Brookline, Massachusetts, where he is pursing his Masters of Divinity at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and she studies nursing.

Contact George at: georgem1120@gmail.com.