New OCA Treasurer begins duties

On Monday, November 12, 2007, the Priest Michael Tassos began his duties as Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America.

Father Michael has been an Orthodox priest for 10 years. In addition, he has 20 years of accounting experience, working as a certified public accountant for 11 years.

Father Michael grew up in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and served as a tonsured reader and assistant choir director for the Protection of the Theotokos Church, Los Angeles, CA, for several years. He started his accounting career with Price Waterhouse in Los Angeles.

In 1991, he left a position as accounting manager with Capitol Records to attend Saint Vladimir’s Seminary.

In 1995, Father Michael moved to Charleston, WV, where he served Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Beckley, WV, and worked as chief financial officer of one of the largest medical practices in the state. He also served as a member of the board of directors and chairman of the finance committee of Covenant House, West Virginia.

In 2002, the Tassos family moved to California, where Father Michael worked as the business manager for another large medical practice for three years, and for two years as the chief financial officer for a publicly traded company specializing in ambulatory surgery centers. During that time, he served as pastor of Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church, Palmdale, CA.

In addition to his parish and secular work, Father Michael has been a financial advisor and member of the board of directors of Conciliar Press Ministries.

Father Michael was very active as a consultant to various medical practices and numerous not-for-profit organizations. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the Orthodox Church, as well as accounting and financial reporting experience for not-for-profit organizations.

Father Michael and his wife Christina met at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary. They have three children. In addition to his vocational and professional work, Father Michael is also an accomplished bassoonist, having played in a quintet while in California.

We are pleased to welcome Father Michael as the new treasurer of the OCA, and pray that the Lord grant him many years of fruitful service in this ministry.