Spiritual Leadership Rooted in Faith, Service, and Community
Meet the clergy who guide our Long Beach parish through worship, pastoral care, the sacraments, and the everyday life of Orthodox Christian faith.
Greek Orthodox Church Clergy in Long Beach
The Greek Orthodox Church clergy Long Beach community relies on at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary serve our parish with faith, compassion, and dedication. Through worship, pastoral care, and community leadership, our clergy guide and support all who come through our doors. We are grateful for their service and their commitment to building a strong, welcoming Orthodox Christian community.
Fr. Christos Kanakis
Fr. Christos P. Kanakis has faithfully served as pastor of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach since March 10, 2013. As part of the Greek Orthodox Church clergy Long Beach parishioners know and trust, he provides spiritual leadership through liturgy, sacraments, teaching, and pastoral care.
Born in San Francisco, California, Fr. Christos was raised at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where Father Anthony Kosturos of blessed memory helped inspire his calling to the priesthood. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Religion from San Francisco State University in 2006 and later received his Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston in 2009.
After graduation, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos assigned him to St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, where he served as Pastoral Assistant. He was ordained to the Diaconate on June 6, 2010, and to the Holy Priesthood on January 16, 2011.
Since arriving in Long Beach, Fr. Christos has helped grow a vibrant parish rooted in faith, service, and fellowship.
Dn. Evangelos Karapoulios
Deacon Evangelos Karapoulios is a dedicated member of the Greek Orthodox Church clergy Long Beach families have come to know through years of faithful service at Assumption Church.
Born in Krania, Grevena, Greece, he moved to Toronto, Canada, at a young age before eventually settling in Southern California in 1989. His long history of service includes leadership roles on the Parish Council, directing Sunday School, and volunteering at church events and festivals.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Finance from California State University, Fullerton, and is both a business owner and a high school varsity basketball coach. After completing the Diaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2021, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on June 19, 2022, by His Grace, Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea.
Deacon Evangelos is married to Diakonissa Eleni and is the proud father of Stamatia and Gregory. His faithful service continues to be a blessing to the parish and the broader Long Beach community.
How Our Clergy Serve the Parish
Our clergy are devoted not only to the spiritual life of the parish, but also to helping individuals, families, visitors, and longtime parishioners feel connected to the life of the Church.
Worship
Leading the parish through Divine Liturgy, feast days, prayer, and the sacred rhythm of Orthodox worship.
Sacraments
Walking with families through baptisms, weddings, memorials, confession, and other meaningful moments of faith.
Pastoral Care
Offering spiritual guidance, support, encouragement, and prayer during both joyful and difficult seasons of life.
Community
Helping build a welcoming Orthodox Christian community rooted in faith, service, fellowship, and love.
Connect With Our Clergy
Whether you are seeking a church home, exploring the Orthodox faith, or looking for support during an important life moment, we invite you to reach out or join us for worship.
