Clergy History of St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church

San Jose, California

Since its founding, St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church has been blessed by devoted clergy whose unique gifts helped shape the parish at every stage of its growth. From the pioneering years of mission development to the establishment of a thriving parish community, each priest contributed to St. Basil's spiritual, educational, and organizational life, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Father John Bakas (1986–1988)

Before his long tenure at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, Father John Bakas played a pivotal role in helping the founding families establish St. Basil Church. During the parish's earliest years, he provided the vision, leadership, and encouragement necessary to transform the dream of a new Orthodox community into reality.

Father John was widely known for his energy, enthusiasm, and pioneering spirit. His ability to inspire and unite people proved instrumental in laying the foundation for the parish's growth.

Archimandrite Father Michael Rymer (1988–1990)

After the mission was formally established under Bishop Anthony, Archimandrite Michael Rymer became St. Basil's first full-time resident priest. His tenure coincided with the parish's earliest years as a newly established community and he provided early spiritual guidance to approximately 50 families before leaving the parish.

Father Konstantine Mendrinos (1990–2005)

For fifteen years, Father Konstantine Mendrinos guided St. Basil through significant growth and development. During his tenure, the parish undertook major facility improvements, expanded stewardship efforts, and established many of the ministries and organizational structures that continue to serve the community today.

Known for his creativity, dedication, and commitment to education, Father Konstantine placed special emphasis on youth formation and church music. His contributions extended beyond the parish, including authoring educational children's songs used throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Father Gregory Koo (2005–2015)

Father Gregory Koo led the parish with a pastoral emphasis on spiritual depth, prayer, and the timeless traditions of Orthodox Christian life. His ministry encouraged parishioners to deepen their relationship with Christ through worship, reflection, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

Among the lasting legacies of his tenure was the acquisition and enshrinement of a permanent holy relic of Saint Basil the Great in 2010, further strengthening the parish's connection to its patron saint and the wider Orthodox tradition.

Father Gregory was known for his calm and prayerful presence, fostering a spirit of reverence and devotion within the parish community.

Father Gabriel-Allan Boyd (2015–2020)

Role: Parish Priest

Assigned to St. Basil from Saint Sophia Cathedral, Father Gabriel-Allan Boyd's appointment reflected a meaningful connection to the parish's founding history, as he had been ordained under the guidance of Father John Bakas.

Father Allan brought a collaborative and engaging approach to parish life, emphasizing education, outreach, and the effective use of modern communication tools to share the timeless message of the Orthodox faith. A gifted teacher and preacher, he encouraged parishioners to integrate Orthodox Christian principles into their daily lives and witness to the faith in contemporary society.

Father Nebojsa Pantic (2020–2021)

Role: Interim Priest

During a period of COVID and clergy transition, Father Nebojsa Pantic provided spiritual support and sacramental ministry to the faithful of St. Basil while continuing his responsibilities as Assistant Priest at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose.

Father Nebojsa brought stability and continuity during a challenging time for the parish. Known for his thoughtful pastoral presence and broad theological education, he helped sustain the community's liturgical and spiritual life until a permanent assignment could be made.

His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios (2021-present)

In a unique chapter of parish history, His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios assumed direct pastoral responsibility for St. Basil, making the parish his home community. Formerly Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and South America, he brings extensive pastoral experience and is actively engaged in the parish's daily life.

Known for his warm, humble, and approachable manner, Metropolitan Tarasios emphasizes practical Christian living, personal spiritual growth, and active participation in the Church's sacramental life. His genuine love for ministry and dedication to young people have made a lasting impact on the St. Basil community.

To the Future!

From its humble beginnings as a mission parish to the thriving community it is today, St. Basil Church has been blessed by devoted clergy whose leadership, service, and faith have shaped its history. As we celebrate forty years of God's blessings, we honor their contributions with gratitude and look ahead with hope.