Source: The National Herald
Originally published on February 15, 2025
BOSTON –Metropolitan Constantine of Denver, who was elected on May 17, 2024 and was enthroned on June 26 of the same year, emphasized in his first interview with The National Herald that the Metropolis of Denver is the largest geographically within the Archdiocese of America. Specifically, he stated that “out of the 49 parishes and 2 monasteries, it is only 8 that I can visit by car, the rest is by airplane” which necessitates him being constantly in flight and moving from airport to airport.
When asked whether his election was expected or came as a surprise, he responded that “it was a surprise and an absolute blessing.”
He highlighted that “our churches are full; retention of our youth appears very promising.”
The full interview follows:
The National Herald: Your Eminence, what were your thoughts upon ascending the throne during your enthronement as a Metropolitan of Denver?
Metropolitan Constantine: Ascending to the Throne of the Metropolis of Denver is one of the greatest honors of my life. The opportunity and blessing to serve these exceptional faithful in this area is a wonderful blessing. Presiding over the largest land mass within our Archdiocese has afforded me the opportunity to be with our faithful in places that stand very firm in their faith and as a beacon of hope for countless people. I am very grateful to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the members of the Holy and Sacred Synod of Constantinople, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod of America, and for the encouragement of His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Lystra for his invitation [to the Metropolis].
TNH: Did you expect to be elected to the Denver Metropolis or did it come as a surprise?
Metropolitan Constantine: It was a surprise and an absolute blessing. I was serving at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore, Maryland prior to my election as the Bishop of Sassima. It was the parish where I was baptized and raised. Moving west has been a very positive life-changing experience.
TNH: How is the Metropolis of Denver unique?
Metropolitan Constantine: Since we are the largest land mass within the Archdiocese of America, out of the 49 parishes and 2 monasteries, it is only 8 that I can visit by car, the rest is by airplane. The faithful of this Metropolis are ready to continue to promulgate the faith and to receive our faithful that may have left the church, or that are finding the faith. Our churches are full, retention of our youth appears very promising. From Montana to Texas, Utah to Nebraska, it is a blessing.
TNH: What are some of the questions the faithful and especially the young generations are asking you about the Orthodox Faith and Church?
Metropolitan Constantine: The questions that arise from our younger generations is how to apply living the Orthodox faith in their daily lives. The reminder is to constantly find time to pray, to allow Christ to dwell in you, and not to be afraid to share this treasure with others.
TNH: Which were some of the immediate things or problems (if you wish) that you were called to address since your predecessor Metropolitan Isaiah had been absent for some time?
Metropolitan Constantine: Not a problem to address – His Eminence had entrusted the day-to-day operations of the Metropolis to me a month after my election as bishop and being appointed as chancellor. His Eminence was very gracious to me in allowing this to take place. Challenges have been with our own ability to raise funds to support the ministries of the Metropolis. For me personally, I was not familiar with this region of our country – I had to learn distances between parishes and a number of flight schedules.
TNH: How is he doing? Do you see him often?
Metropolitan Constantine: His Eminence is doing well and under the care of the monastics of Holy Archangels in Kendalia, TX. Father Dositheos, the Abbot, along with entire brotherhood, are caring for him to the highest caliber. I see him as much as I can when I visit that region.
TNH: Where do the properties of the Monasteries that you have in the Metropolis belong?
Metropolitan Constantine: The properties of the Monasteries follow the proper protocols.
TNH: Do the parishes use liturgical Greek in the worship?
Metropolitan Constantine: There are a few parishes that use some liturgical Greek for worship, but the primary language used is English.
Photo: Metropolis of Denver
Biography
Metropolitan Constantine was born in 1966 in Baltimore, MD. He is the son of the late Petros (a refugee from Asia Minor born in Athens) and Sarah (of Mobile, AL), and is the youngest of three children. From an early age, Metropolitan Constantine served as an acolyte at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore under the late Fr. Constantine M. Monios, a mentor who encouraged him to pursue ordained ministry. In 1988, he began his studies at Hellenic College and graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1994. He was ordained to both the holy diaconate and the priesthood in 1996 by the late Metropolitan Silas of New Jersey, and was assigned to the Annunciation Cathedral in Baltimore. He was elevated to Archimandrite in 2002, at which time he was also installed as Dean of the Cathedral and served as its Proistamenos for 24 years. In July 22, 2022 he was elected auxiliary bishop with the title of the ancient See of Sassima. On May 17, 2024 he was elected Metropolitan of Denver.