Our team

Introducing the HM family

The Hellenic Ministries team is a family of Christ-followers representing over 20 countries and dozens of languages. We each have a story of how Christ transformed our lives and we are passionate about bringing that same hope and restoration to others in all that we do through the power of God’s Spirit and practical care.

Give to a global worker

Team members on the ground

Our local family

The individuals pictured are our Team Leaders, representing over 300 staff and family serving full-time, with additional volunteer and short-term support of over 800 annually. Some of our teams work in our educational, healthcare, and relief centers, others serve in discipleship, church planting, and media, while still others work behind the scenes administratively or in ensuring our facilities are maintained. Our team serves mainly in Greece and across its islands but has missionaries sent to countries such as Peru and Uganda as well.

Johnathan Macris

President/CEO

Since the beginning of Hellenic Ministries in 1980, Johnathan has been vitally involved in the mission’s emphasis of evangelism and church planting, discipleship and missions.

Nikolaos Niavradakis

Executive Assistant to CEO

"What I enjoy about my work is that it’s never boring; there is always a new project, a new relationship, a new challenge!"

Liza Stoi

Head of Legal Department

"What I enjoy most about my role is that I get to use my degree for a meaningful purpose, contributing to work that aligns with my values and has a lasting impact. I’m grateful to collaborate with dear colleagues who share the same passion for expanding the kingdom of God, making our work not just a job but a shared mission. Each day brings something new, as I engage with a variety of projects and tasks, ensuring that my work is never routine."

Marie Kameri

Chief Financial Officer

"What I love most about my job is being part of a beautiful and diverse faith community, where I get to walk alongside people from all backgrounds and experiences. It’s a blessing to see how, with God’s guidance, we each play a role in something so much bigger than ourselves."

Sarah Wheway

Director of Hope Ministries

"I enjoy supporting the team leaders of the Hope Center and the Education Community Center. I'm excited to be part of a team that provides education, skills training, friendship, support, and counseling. Witnessing the incredible impact on the men, women, and children we serve is truly inspiring, as we encourage each one in their relationship with God."

Alex Macris

Director of Broad Reach Maritime

"What I love about my role is the opportunity for discipleship and witnessing people grow in their faith. It’s incredibly rewarding to walk alongside others as they deepen their relationship with God and step into their calling. I also enjoy the challenge of seeing God fulfill the vision He places in our hearts—watching His plans unfold in ways we never expected. There’s something amazing about sharing that vision with others and seeing them catch the excitement, knowing that we are all part of something greater than ourselves."

Amalthia Karali

Communications Director

"What I love about my role is the deep connection I get to build with people as they trust me enough to share their challenges. There is nothing more beautiful than witnessing the strength of the human spirit and God’s providence at work in their lives—it never ceases to amaze me."

Giannis Dranidis

Human Resources Manager

"What I enjoy the most is doing God's will in my life and at the same time inspiring people to use the gifts that the Lord has given them for His glory and to be led by Him to fulfill the calling they have in their generation."

Leonid Ivanov

Director of Compassion Ministry

"What I love about my role is the opportunity to teach the Word of God to our team and share the gospel of grace with people from different backgrounds. It’s a privilege to witness how God works in their hearts and lives through His truth. I also find great joy in seeing my team members grow in their faith, serving others, and using their talents for His glory. Perhaps most rewarding is watching people experience God’s love through their interactions with our team and the services we provide, knowing that even small acts of kindness can be a reflection of His grace."

Milad Motlagh

Middle East Media Production Director

"I’m grateful for the privilege of contributing to God's Kingdom through media and collaborating with other believers, which makes my work even more meaningful. I also love planning projects for major Christian TV recordings, knowing that our efforts will reach and inspire many. But what brings me the greatest satisfaction is hearing people’s responses to the content we create. Knowing that our work is impacting lives and drawing people closer to God fills me with joy and purpose."

Liliana Ball

Skills Training Center Director

"What I enjoy most about my job is seeing the joy on the women's faces as they create something with their hands, like a new skirt or a well-given haircut. Their smiles reveal deep satisfaction, momentarily forgetting their refugee status and hardships. I love being part of God's plan to give hope and a future, especially spiritually. During Bible studies, the women ask thoughtful questions and share their learning with newcomers, encouraging their faith. Seeing God at work in their lives fills me with immense joy and gratitude."

Emperatriz Karakolidou

Social Medical Center Manager

"My role is to guide and motivate the staff at our Social Medical Center to serve mothers and children in vulnerable situations, victims of displacement, war, and poverty. I enjoy finding creative ways to organize and empowering the team to reach their potential while making a tangible impact on our beneficiaries' lives."

Ioannis Trigkas

Lead Dentist

"My role is to oversee the dental care services we provide to our beneficiaries, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care despite their limited resources. I lead a team developing treatment plans and coordinating outreach efforts to make dental care accessible to those who need it most. What I enjoy most is offering care to those who otherwise lack access, knowing we’re restoring health and confidence in their lives."

Luciana Oliveira

Educational Community Center Director

"I oversee the development and implementation of programs that support the Roma people and coordinate various aspects of community development. I truly enjoy working with our team, as they are passionate about their work and calling. I learn from them every day, and I love seeing them thrive, bringing their unique personalities to the work they do. The constant learning and deepening my understanding of the Roma people is something I deeply cherish."

Panos Karakolidis

"Zontas" TV Programs

"My role involves answering calls from those who watch our programs, visiting and leading Bible studies, and sending materials to those in need. With some, we’ve become close friends, meeting often to discuss the Word of God. It’s a true joy to share the good news of the gospel each week, helping others take steps with God. I’m especially grateful when people share how much they love the program and eagerly anticipate each new episode."

Stephan Calhoun

Church Planting Director

"I enjoy investing in young people and helping them discover their God-given talents and ministry calling as we go on mission together. I am privileged to mentor pioneering leaders long-term, guiding them as they start new communities of faith and shepherd their communities until local elders are raised and appointed."

Jeremy Thompson

Professional Development Program Director

"My role is to assist refugees with their job search through the Professional Development program. I enjoy encouraging people to pray as part of their job search, and see people grow in their faith."

Karen Thompson

Professional Development Program Director

"My role is to assist refugees with their job search through the Professional Development program. I find joy in encouraging people to pray as part of their journey and, when appropriate, helping them grow closer to the Lord."

Our global family

Though our calling is focused primarily on Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean world, Hellenic Ministries is a missional community which truly spans the globe. Our regional support offices serve our team through their administrative gifts in fundraising, donor relations, communications, graphic design, financial management, recruitment, member care, and prayer.

Ross Henson

Executive Director, International Operational Development

Steve Dutton

International / U.S. Executive Director

Lucky Fatsilidis

South African Executive Director

Michael Proussalidis

Canadian Executive Director

Marcus Letts

UK Executive Director

Abigail Newport

Donor Relations & Development Coordinator

A brief history

Hellenic Ministries enjoys a rich heritage stretching back 40+ years, spanning more life-changing testimonies of God’s goodness than we could possibly count:

In obedience to God’s calling, Hellenic Ministries was among the first national Greek evangelistic and missionary societies in Greece, founded by Costas Macris in 1980.
Our US office was incorporated in Missouri in 1986 and subsequently moved to Wheaton, IL in 1993.
An Australian office quickly followed.
A Canadian office was added in 1996.
More recently, a South African office was founded in 2005.
And finally, HM UK in 2024.