Fr. George’s presentation, entitled “Perfecting the Shepherd”, contrasted the concept of “leadership” with pastoral ministry, demonstrating that a priest’s purpose is to be a director, providing an example for his parishioners to emulate, rather than a legislator laying down laws and proscriptions. Fr. George demonstrated, from Scripture, Christ’s role as shepherd, and how it ought to be emulated by those in pastoral ministry, to whom the Lord gave the command to “feed My sheep.” Fr. George also spoke on the necessity for a pastor to be immersed in liturgy and prayer, both for his own sake and the sake of his flock.

Protopresbyter George A. Alexson, a 1969 graduate of St. Tikhon’s, has been a priest in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for forty-eight years. He retired in 2010 from the Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta, GA, and upon return to Northern Virginia, accepted an invitation to assist in developing a mission, Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. Fr. George completed doctoral studies (ABD) at Catholic University in the Early Christian Studies Department, with an emphasis in Greek and Latin patristics, Church History, and monasticism. He resides in Ashburn, VA with his wife, Pres. Joanna, two children and five grandchildren.