St. Silouan of Athos
Antiqua Chapel

Father Nicolaie was born in Solca, Romania. He earned a Masters in Social Psychology from West University of Timisoara and graduated from four years of seminary. His understanding of Orthodoxy was shaped by the martyric witness of those around him during the Ceau?escu regime, and the fall of communism.

After humbly serving over twelve years at the Mission, he was chosen to lead our community. Under his leadership a new mission-parish opened in Scarborough — St. Zoticos, where he also serves. Father is a prolific writer, winning several literary awards in Romania, and publishes weekly inspirational texts for the Sunday bulletin. His writings can be heard on Ancient Faith. He earned an MSW from the University of Toronto.

Deacon Pawel came to St. John’s in 2007, planning to stay for one year. Originally from the UK, he previously had a career in teaching. A spiritual son of Archbishop Anthony of Sourozh, he frequented Father Lev and Elder Sophrony of Sussex.

Ordained as a deacon for the Mission in 2010, he is now Prefect of the Lived Theology School. He is appreciated for his encyclopedic knowledge of church history, and dry Scottish sense of humour.

Sub-deacon Arsenio, originally from the Philippines, speaks fluent Tagalog, is married with two children, and also serves at St. Zoticos Mission.

Luke O’Neil is a Brother of Mercy who leads the weekly daily services at St. Silouan Chapel. He came to Orthodoxy from the United Church of Canada. He is the community librarian and historian, with vast knowledge of the lives of the saints and a collection of icons of lesser-known saints.

Brother Luke is a regular member of Lourmel house. You can hear his stories of Mission life on the Ancient Faith Parables of Community blog.

Miroslava is married, a mother of two, and a recent retiree from the financial world. "I am blessed to serve as Starosta in our humble community. I serve with joy and reverence, with faith in our church and gospel. I care for all people of God, and humbly I am in service of the poor and the church, working along with our spiritual Fathers and the Sobor."

Presbytera Mihaela is our cantor. Like her husband, she is originally from Romania. She is a full-time teacher and mother. As well as her beautiful — some say angelic — voice, she brings to the community a practical knowledge of Orthodox liturgical music traditions.