Rev. Joseph DiStefano is new pastor at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Rev. Joseph Z. DiStefano is the new priest serving St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 220 N. Walnut St.

He began his ministry in the parish Sept. 1.

He attended Glenoak High School in Canton, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in business at Mount Union College in Alliance. He received a master’s degree in business administration from Malone College in Canton.

Father DiStefano entered Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Mass., in 2001, graduating in May 2005 with a master of divinity degree with distinction.

He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Dec. 26, 2004, at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Canton by Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh.

He served as a deacon at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Lowell, Mass., during his final semester at the seminary.

Father DiStefano was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on July 2, 2005, at the Annunciation Cathedral in Columbus, where he was associate pastor until December 2009.

From 2010-15, he served at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Monessen, Pa.

His parents are Joseph W. and Mary DiStefano of Canton. He is married to the former Melanie A. Tsikouris of Campbell, where they live with their son, Michael Seraphim, 11.