About

History

The Academy was founded in 2019 with the goal of bringing the achievements of academic scholasticism into an Orthodox ethos. The world of today contains a variety of opinions, theories, and findings; while in the Orthodox Faith, decisions must be made collectively, for the good of all.

Therefore, the mission of the Orthodox Christian Academy of Atlanta (OCAA) is “to foster dialogue between the Church and contemporary society.” This is accomplished through collective symposia, panels, and lectures held at the Metropolis’s Diakonia Retreat Center, which involve professors and academics, both within the southeastern United States, as well as outside. Special emphasis must be placed upon Greek Americans and those from Greece, whose knowledge in their different fields will greatly enrich our society.

The SealIts meaning and history

REFLECTS THE RANGE OF HELLENIC HISTORY, FROM THE CLASSICAL AGE, AND UP TO THE PRESENT TIME.

The olive branch, is meant to symbolize the peace that should reside in our hearts as we seek to bring the Christian and Hellenic manner of thinking together.

The owl represents the wisdom of Ancient Athens, and those philosophers who encourage us to “know thyself” (γνῶθι σεαυτόν).

The Holy Cross stresses the necessity for our human understanding to merge with the Christian way of thinking, which is to live with the Divine.

1. The olive branch, is meant to symbolize the peace that should reside in our hearts as we seek to bring the Christian and Hellenic manner of thinking together.

BOARD of DIRECTORS

Chaired by

His eminence metropolitan alexios of atlanta

THE ACADEMY is governed by a distinguished group of Churchmen and women with proven academic accolades while also being committed to the Orthodox ethos, dogmas, and Holy Tradition.

REV. FR. Paul Tsahakis, MD.

President

Priest, Holy Monasteries of Panagia Prousiotissa, Troy, NC, and St. Nektarios, Aegina. Orthopedic Surgeon, Shelter Health Services, Charlotte, NC & St. Dionysios Hospital, Aegina. Founder, St. Hermione Home.

REV. FR. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, PHD.

Vice President

Protopresbyter, Proistaminos, Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Marietta, GA. Vicar of the Central Conference of the Metropolis of Atlanta. Founder, Trisagion Films. Researcher in Early Christian History and Theology, with a special interest in St. John Chrysostom's works.

REV. FR. Joseph Samaan, PHD.

Treasurer

Protopresbyter, Proistaminos, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Daytona Beach, FL.

REV. FR. Gregory Georgiou, PHD. LPC.

Secretary

Priest, Holy Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta. Director, Pre-Marital Programming, Holy Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta. Adjunct Instructor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Licensed Community Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).