Rev. Fr. Alex Chetsas

Fr. Alex grew up in Newburyport, MA (Annunciation Church) and has been happily married to Brandy Elser since 1996—they met in graduate school at Salem State and have been inseparable ever since. They have lived in Millis, MA since 2011 and have three children: Phoebe, Abraham and Roman. Fr. Alex and Brandy also steward a lovely (and probably too large) flock of chickens, several adorable rabbits and, yes, even a charming “mini” pig.

Father was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios in 2001—and to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, in 2002. He served parishes in Los Angeles, CA, Tallahassee, FL, Weston, MA and Nashua, NH, before coming to Saint Gregory the Theologian in Mansfield, MA in 2020.

He holds an M.Div. from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, an M.A. in English Literature from Salem State University and a D.Min. from Emory University's Candler School of Theology.

Throughout his ministry, Fr. Alex has been especially drawn to certain themes and questions surrounding Church life: marriage preparation and counseling; the intersection of popular culture and the tenets of our faith; social action within the greater community; institutional transformation; and the Orthodox perspective on exorcism, the occult and unconventional spiritual practices like Wicca.

In addition to parish ministry, Father is also an adjunct instructor of English and communications at Bentley University, Dean College and Nashua Community College. In relation to his academic work at Emory University, Father has authored several articles on exorcism in the Orthodox Church and continues to research and write on this and related topics.

Fr. Alex is further engaged with the greater community as an IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) Frontliner and Chaplain for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Association.