His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, announces that as of July 1, 2021,  Rhea Ballas has joined Archdiocese Staff as Assistant Director for the Department of Youth Safety Compliance.

Previously, Rhea served for five years as the Youth Director at Annunciation Cathedral in Columbus, OH, followed by fifteen years as the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Y2AM Director (the longest to hold this position) and Metropolis Youth Safety Administrator.

A native of Akron, Ohio, Rhea participated in the ministries of the communities and Diocese throughout her youth at Annunciation GOC of Akron and Annunciation GO Cathedral of Columbus.  A dutiful and energetic volunteer, she was involved in Summer Camp ministry, Syndesmos (The World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth), GOYA and GOYA Athletics, and many other areas of Metropolis and parish ministry.

The Archbishop and Metropolitan, and all the clergy and lay leadership of the Archdiocese and Metropolis, all welcome Rhea to this new position and wish her many years of rich and beneficial ministry to the wonderful communities of this sacred Archdiocese.