The first webinar in the Greening the Parish series of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations focuses on what is currently happening in parishes, what has been effective, and what is possible.
Speaker Bios for Panel #1 - Orthodox Initiatives
Frederick W Krueger serves as Executive Director for the Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration, an organization endorsed by the Orthodox Assembly of Bishops. Professionally Krueger has served as a Russian intelligence analyst for the National Security Agency, as a political campaign manager, as magazine editor, author, and wilderness guide. He operates a tropical reforestation program in Guatemala, organizes the annual National Prayer Breakfast for Creation Care in Washington DC and serves as executive director for The World Stewardship Institute in Santa Rosa, California.
Dr. George P. Nassos was in the corporate world for over 30 years with international chemical and environmental companies. He then went into academia as Director of MS in Sustainability Management programs at IIT and DePaul universities for the past 20 years. Currently, he is active in the launching of Ariston Institute of Chicago with masters programs in leadership, IT and sustainability. In his spare time, he is a member of the Care for Creation ministry at SS Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, IL and also chairs the Chicago Metropolis Environmental Committee.
Hieromonk Michael, monk of St. Gregory Palamas Monastery in Ohio under the omophorian of Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh (GOA). A monk for 35 years. A college student on the first Earth Day in 1970. A friend, and student, of trees and prayer. Concerned to see God’s presence and purpose in creation, to appreciate it and respond concretely to it. This world is a gift from God to us, the vehicle of God’s grace and blessing to us and what we have to offer back in worship and thanks; God will not smile if we trash the Gift.
Franchesca Duval is cradle Orthodox and applies the teachings of the church to her home/family as well as her farm and business. A pioneer in the poultry industry, Franchesca is showing that a farm and business can be financially successful if run in a regenerative way. Her farm and hatchery is the first in the world that is 100% plastic free, zero waste, humane and entirely run on solar power generated right in her pastures. She believes that much of the negative ecological situation we are in can be solved by looking deeply at our personal and collective wastefulness.
