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Most Rev. Metropolitan of Vryoula

A life-long resident of Ithaca, New York, Father Epi - as he is known to parishioners, at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where he served as interim pastor, before his ordination in Constantinople and subsequent position in Europe.

Father Epi is a 1952 graduate of Ithaca High School and was known to his classmates as Constantine, "Gus", Perialas.  He then attended Cornell University.  In 1959, he completed Theological studies from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.  He also did Grauate work at Fordham University and entered into Ph.D. candidacy at Syracuse University. He holds a certificate in Educational Management from the School of Business of Harvard University.  He was elevated to Archimandrite, the highest rank of a priest in the Greek Orthodox Church, in 1985 - just one year after being ordained a priest.

Prior to his ordination, Father Epi enjoyed a successful career in education. For 29 years, he served as professor of speech communication at Ithaca College, and also held esteemed positions including department chairperson and vice president for student and campus affairs.. Before his tenure at Ithaca College, Father Epi was the debate coach at Syracuse University and secondary school teacher of English, Speech and Drama.

In addition to serving several parishes in New York, Ohio, and Michigan over the past 20 years, Father Epi helped establish the first Greek Orthodox Metropolis in Hong Kong.  He is the former consultant to Patriarch Bartholomew for his visit to America in 2000 and the Philippines in 1998.

The Holy Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople unanimously elected the Very Reverend Archimandrite Epiphanios Penialas as the first Metropolitan of Spain and Portugal.

"We congratulate the Metropolitan-elect who has served with zeal and success in the church," said Archbishop Demetrios,  Primate of the Greek Orthodox church in America "This new sacred post is not only pastoral, but also missionary in character...it is a complex and challenging task.

We will miss Father Epi, " said Ernest Zachary, Assumption Greek Orthodox Parish Council President.  "Like so many parishes, ours has benefited tremendously from his wisdom and warmth."  

His Eminence stated: "I'm deeply honored by my appointment and look forward to working closely with the people of our newest Metropolis," said Father Epi after presiding over the Orthodox Easter Service.  "I have every confidence that together we will realize great potential."

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