Metropolis Missions and Evangelism Ministry Hires First Full-Time Director

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce that Thomaida Hudanish is now serving as the Director of the Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism. She previously served as Assistant Director of COME for the past three years until she was offered the leadership of this thriving ministry of our Metropolis as of June 1, 2017.
“Thomaida has proven herself to be a devoted worker, especially committed to growing Orthodoxy in America through innovative and thoughtful programs offered at both the Metropolis and parish levels,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “I am confident she will continue the good works of those who previously led this ministry and take it to even greater accomplishments in the future.”

Thomaida was born in Portland, Oregon into an Orthodox Christian family. During college, she had the opportunity to visit religious sites in Greece, Romania and Russia. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Portland State University in Russian Language and Literature, Thomaida worked as Parish Administrator at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Beaverton, Oregon. During this time Thomaida served on short-term mission trips with Project Mexico and OCMC, chaired her parish Missions and Evangelism Ministry, and was involved in several other aspects of parish life.

From 2013 to 2014, Thomaida embarked on an independent mission pilgrimage, working three months at the Theotokos Girls’ Orphanage near Kolkata, India, and three months at the Orthodox School of Bethany near Jerusalem, in addition to visiting Orthodox sites in Europe.
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In 2015, Thomaida earned a certificate in Professional Fundraising through Portland State University and the Willamette Valley Development Officers organization.
Thomaida brings to this position enthusiasm and commitment to spreading the Orthodox faith. Her years of experience at both the parish and Metropolis levels make her an excellent candidate to elevate the Missions and Evangelism ministry in the western United States. For more information on COME please visit come-sf.org or contact Thomaida directly at come@sanfran.goarch.org.

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