2026 APC Clergy Sabbatical Grant Recipients
On September 1, 2025 the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council (APC) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announced the first recipients of grants for its new Clergy Sabbatical Program.
Grants for the 2026 Sabbatical year have been awarded to:
- Rev. Fr. Richard Dimitrios Andrews, Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Glenview, Illinois
- Rev. Fr. Paul Pappas, Saint Barbara Church, Toms River, New Jersey
- Rev. Fr. Andrew Tsikitas, Annunciation Church, York, Pennsylvania
About the APC Clergy Sabbatical Program
The APC Clergy Sabbatical Program is a groundbreaking new initiative of the Archdiocese with a vision of “Clergy transformed with refreshed spirits, renewed energy, and rededicated ministries.”
Developed over several years by the APC, the program was officially approved by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and the Holy Eparchial Synod in March 2023. As outlined in the program guidelines:
“Clergy Sabbaticals are not vacations, but rather a time for clergy to take an intentional break from the demands of leadership, experience a change of pace and location, discover new perspectives, gain fresh vision and energy, and simply rest. They also provide congregations the opportunity to affirm the work of their clergy, develop dynamic parish leadership, and establish new goals.”
The mission of the program is “to make Clergy Sabbaticals possible by providing information, funding, and fill-in clergy to serve during the Sabbaticals of active clergy.”
The APC has been heartened by the enthusiastic response from clergy and parishes across the Archdiocese. It extends its gratitude to all applicants, and to the Hierarchs and parish leaders who encouraged and supported them. The APC also thanks the Retired Clergy Association (RCA) for its assistance in identifying fill-in clergy during the sabbatical period.
The APC offers its deepest appreciation to the Holy Eparchial Synod for approving this important new program, and to Leadership 100, whose generous grant has made the awarding of the 2026 sabbatical grants possible.
Click here to download pertinent information regarding the APC Clergy Sabbatical Program
For more information about this program you may contact Fr. Jerry Hall, program administrator at: APCSabbaticalInfo@gmail.com