Parish Governance
Parish Council
The Parish Council of Descent of the Holy Ghost is composed of elected lay leaders who serve alongside Fr. Daniel Radu in the governance, stewardship, and ministry of our community.
In the Orthodox tradition, the Parish Council is the elected body of lay faithful who assist the priest in the administration of parish life. Council members serve as stewards of the community — caring for the temporal affairs of the parish so that the priest may devote himself fully to spiritual ministry.
The council meets regularly throughout the year and is accountable to the full parish assembly. All members serve with dedication and love for Descent of the Holy Ghost.
Elected Officers
Parish Council Officers
President
Mark Vander Laan
Presides over Parish Council meetings and serves as the lay leader of the parish, working closely with Fr. Daniel Radu in guiding the community.
Vice President
John Morgavan
Supports the President in all parish governance matters and assumes leadership responsibilities in the President's absence.
Secretary
Sherry Iliovici
Maintains the official records of the Parish Council, records meeting minutes, and manages parish correspondence.
Treasurer
Damjan Aleksovski
Oversees the financial affairs of the parish, maintains accurate financial records, and reports to the council on the parish's fiscal health.
Auditor
Gail Morgavan
Reviews and audits the parish financial records to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability on behalf of the parish family.
Auditor
Nicole Campbell
Serves as auditor of the parish, reviewing financial records to ensure accuracy and accountability, and also leads the children of the parish as Sunday School Teacher.
Trustee
Amanda Vander Laan
Serves as a Trustee of the parish, helping to oversee and protect the temporal interests and property of Descent of the Holy Ghost.
Trustee
Megan Vander Laan
Serves as a Trustee of the parish, helping to oversee and protect the temporal interests and property of Descent of the Holy Ghost.
Ministry Leadership
Ministry Leaders
These dedicated parishioners lead the educational and youth ministries of our parish, forming the faithful of all ages in the Orthodox Christian life.
Sunday School Teacher
Nicole Campbell
Leads the children of the parish in Orthodox Christian education, nurturing the faith of the next generation through Scripture, prayer, and tradition. Also serves as Auditor on the Parish Council.
Adult Bible School Leader
Charles Mubarak
Guides adult parishioners in the study of Holy Scripture and Orthodox theology, deepening the faith of the parish community.
Choir Director
Cornelia Merchant
Leads the choir of Descent of the Holy Ghost in Orthodox liturgical music, maintaining the sacred tradition of Byzantine and Romanian chant at every Divine Liturgy and feast.
Youth Group Coordinator
Curt Parrish
Coordinates youth ministry activities, fellowship events, and spiritual formation for the young people of Descent of the Holy Ghost.
Spiritual Leadership
Fr. Daniel Radu
Pastor · Descent of the Holy Ghost
Fr. Daniel Radu serves as the pastor of Descent of the Holy Ghost, providing spiritual oversight and working in close partnership with the Parish Council to shepherd our community in the Orthodox faith.
Questions for the Parish Council or parish leadership? We welcome you to reach out.
Contact the Parish