The Priest : His Inner Life and His Educational, Sacerdotal, and Pastoral Work

His Eminence Archbishop Michael (Constantinides) served as Archbishop of North and South America from 1949 until his untimely death in 1958. Serving between two giants in Orthodox history, Archbishop Michael's accomplishments and stature are often overlooked. He worked tirelessly to have the Eastern Orthodox faith recognized as a "major religion' in the United States. He organized the youth of the Archdiocese, creating GOYA. HJE worked to lift the educational stature of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He placed the Archdiocese of North and South America on a sound financial footing. He used the St. Basil Academy as a place of respite and refreshment, choosing it as his final resting place. He is remembered as a man of deep spirituality with a devotion to his sacred mission of promulgating the Greek Orthodox Faith in the United States.

As Archbishop, his love for the clergy showed no bounds. His personal wisdom on the scriptures, patristics, and pastoral experiences were always shared at gatherings of clergy and also with those preparing for the priesthood at Holy Cross Seminary. This volume offers his reflections on the life and ministry of the priest. While written decades ago, his sound Advice applies for the most part today.