Dn. John Kerstetter

Dn. John first encountered Holy Orthodoxy as an undergraduate student of Biblical Languages and Theology. He was raised in the United Methodist Church, and post-college, served as a Youth Pastor, then Pastor of Administration, at a local non-denominational parish for the better part of five years, before Christ led him to the Chapel. Dn. John believes that the fullness of faith, doctrine, worship, and Christian spirituality can only be found in Orthodoxy,and encourages all who are yearning for a depth and authenticity of Christian experience to "Come and see!" Dn. John was baptized into the Orthodox Faith, along with his wife, Mka. Irene (Elya), in 2017; tonsured a Reader in 2018; and ordained to the Holy Diaconate in May of 2023. Dn. John enjoys singing, painting holy icons, teaching catechesis, preaching on occassion, and encouraging the faithful in their Christian mission.

"Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant [diakonos]. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matt 20:26-28).