Reverend Father Daniel Mathai, also known as Dennis Achen, was born and raised in Long Island, New York. After completing his undergraduate studies in Business Management at Manhattan College, he enrolled into the Master of Divinity program at Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania and graduated in May 2008. Afterwards, he completed the liturgical studies program at the Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kottayam, Kerala, India. Achen completed a residency and fellowship in chaplaincy (Clinical Pastoral Education) at United Hospital in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital in Houston, Texas. Achen specialized in mental health counseling and substance abuse counseling during his clinical training. Achen had served as the Youth Minister of Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church in Houston, Texas, as well as the MGOCSM General Secretary of North America. In addition to serving our community, Achen has worked as an clinical chaplain for the Department of Veterans Affairs for close to ten years.
Achen has been serving as the pastor of our church since its formation in January 2020.
