About Us
V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Christopher Salamy, Pastor
V. Rev. Fr. Dr. Christopher Salamy is dedicated to forming a generation of strong, thoughtful and inspirational Orthodox Christian leaders. Through Scripture-centered teaching that faithfully follows Christ’s model, speaking directly to everyday life, Fr. Salamy has impacted the lives of faithful for more than 30 years. He has served as pastor of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, Arizona since 1999, where his ministry has been marked by a deep commitment to biblical instruction.
Fr. Salamy is the founder of The Way of the Warrior Saint, a movement dedicated to teaching the Crucifixional life: the sacrifice of self for the sake of other. Modeled on Jesus Christ’s victory on the Cross, Warrior Saints set aside their own will in order to follow God’s commandments. By embracing struggle and sacrifice, Warrior Saints are transformed, overcoming the challenges of life, and becoming exceptional individuals. Through God’s grace, The Way of the Warrior Saint movement continues to grow while positively affecting today’s leaders of all ages.
Fr. Chris holds a BA in Philosophy from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and a Doctorate from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. His ministry is fundamentally centered on the study, teaching, and faithful transmission of Holy Scripture.
To meet with a member of the Pastoral team, please email happy@stgeorgeaz.org or call the Church Office at (602) 953-1921.
Rev. Dn. Dr. Greg Abdalah, Pastoral Assistant
Dn. Greg Abdalah, a native of the Pittsburgh area, earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Duquesne University in 2004. During that time, Dn. Greg worked in various positions at the Antiochian Village, and began serving as the Deanery Coordinator for the Western Pennsylvania Deanery following graduation. He earned his MDiv from St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 2008 with a thesis focused on youth music ministry. He served as the Pastoral Assistant and Youth Director at St. George Cathedral in Worcester, MA from 2008-2014, and currently serves as the Pastoral Assistant at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ. In 2018 he earned his Doctor of Ministry, focused on teaching the Divine Liturgy to our Youth, also from SVS and is regularly invited to speak to parishes and various youth gatherings around the US and Canada. Dn. Greg was married to his beautiful bride Diana in April of 2018 and they are the proud parents of Eleanor and Jonathan.
To meet with a member of the Pastoral team, please email happy@stgeorgeaz.org or call the Church Office at (602) 953-1921.
Christian Farradj, Youth Pastor
Christian Farradj, son of Fuad and Mary Romley Farradj, was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was at his home parish of Saint John the Evangelist Antiochian Orthodox Church in Orinda, CA that his love for ministry was ignited, and where he was tonsured as a Reader in 2016. He has been active in many ministries of the Archdiocese, including Camp St. Nicholas, DLAW Young Adult Ministry, and the Sacred Music Institute’s Youth Music Ministry. In 2022, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, emphasis in Exercise Science and Athletic Performance, from University of Saint Katherine in San Marcos, CA. Christian is the host of “A Joyful Noise”, a series exploring the beauty of Byzantine Chant on Ancient Faith Ministries Kids platform. He is one of the founders of Sons of Antioch Byzantine Choir, and has a diploma in Byzantine Music through the Hellenic Conservatory of Music & Arts in Athens and the School of Ecclesiastical Music of Mount Lebanon. As Youth Pastor, it is his joy and passion to serve the St. George community.
Valerie Haddad, Director of Ministry, Growth and Development
Valerie Haddad was born and raised in Glendale, California. Upon graduating high school, Valerie pursued and obtained her professional pilot’s licenses and certifications and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2003. Valerie joined Vanguard as a Client Services Representative in 2004. While at Vanguard, Valerie held several leadership positions where she had the opportunity to lead large operations departments through strategic projects and business planning cycles. In 2013, Valerie obtained her MBA from the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Valerie is passionate about building strong Christian leaders so that they are well equipped to do God’s work. Valerie is married to Dn. Michael and they have two children, Georgina and Gabriel.
Happy Kaur, Executive Assistant to the Pastor
Happy was born and raised in England. She has a BA Sociology Degree from UEL and she worked as Business Development Manager for a Microbiology Waters Laboratory before moving to Phoenix. She enjoys history, geography and social subjects. She came to Phoenix in 2013 and owned businesses. Two years ago she decided to change paths so she could balance her family and work. She is married to Jagdip and they have two kids, Aaryan and Aleena.
Jane Romley, Campus Administrator
Jane Romley, who has been a St. George parish member for years, now serves on the Pastoral Team as Parish Administrator. She loves working in the office and has been a great asset to the everyday life of such an active parish. Her previous work experience and love for her church shows in the excellence she provides.
Matthew Peters, Ministry Lead
Matthew Peters has spent a majority of his life in the southwest. He graduated from Arizona State University with a BS in Anthropology. He attended Wheaton College in Chicago, and received a MA in Archaeology. He has spent considerable time living, traveling, studying, working, eating, and sweating in the Middle East. Matthew enjoys working on and riding motorcycles, building furniture, completing art projects, and harvesting figs and limes to share with the St. George Community. Matthew and his bride Laura have two great kids, Isaac and Helena.
Matthew serves as the Ministry Lead at St. George. He provides strategic direction in ministry outreach at St. George, by working alongside our clergy and project coordinators. He helps lead to the spiritual transformation of volunteers and betterment of those being served, accomplished through Christ and by his love.
Erin Thobias, Director of Media and Communications
Erin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts & Communication & a minor in anthropology from Drake University in Iowa. Erin is endlessly curious & has had a wealth of experiences in journalism, public relations, events and paid advertising.
Erin started her career in Iowa, working for Meredith Publishing in magazine journalism where she wrote for Parents.com, Midwest Living, and Better Homes & Gardens. Eventually, the big city was calling and Erin moved to Chicago. There she traded in magazine journalism for public affairs PR. As part of this role, she supported the non-profit After School Matters with events and online marketing. She also supported the City of Chicago with event logistics as they hosted dignitaries from all over the world during the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and the NATO Summit. After several years in PR, Erin then transitioned into paid advertising where she spent 10 years representing some of the most iconic companies of our time including M&Ms, P&G and McDonald’s. As part of her role with these companies, Erin negotiated corporate partnerships, purchased paid ads, arranged for media appearances and sponsorships. In 2023, Erin turned her attention toward supporting faith-led business owners through the launch of her consulting agency.
Erin now supports St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church as the Communications Director, you may reach out to her with press inquiries.