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.

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Team members on the ground

Our team leaders

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

Chief Operating Officer

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

Sarah Wheway

Director of Hope Ministries

"I enjoy supporting the team leaders of the Hope Center and the Education Community Center, helping provide education, training and support. It’s inspiring to witness lives transformed through God’s love and community care."

Alex Macris

Director of Broad Reach Maritime

“What I love most is discipling others and seeing their faith grow. It’s rewarding to walk with them, share God’s vision, and witness His unexpected plans unfold in powerful ways, knowing that we are all part of something greater than ourselves."

Maria Giannadaki

Social Enterprise/Executive Services

"It’s wonderful to know that your work is having an eternal impact and that you’re serving in an environment characterized by unity, mutual support, and encouragement."

Marie K.

Chief Financial Officer

"I love 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."

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."

Liza Stoi

Head of Legal Department

“What I enjoy most is using my degree for meaningful work that aligns with my values. I’m grateful to collaborate on kingdom-focused projects that are dynamic, impactful, and filled with shared purpose.”

Leonid Ivanov

Director of Compassion Ministry

“What I love most is teaching God’s Word and sharing the gospel of grace with people from all backgrounds. It’s a joy to witness hearts transformed, faith deepened, and God’s love experienced through interactions with our team and the services we provide.”

Hosein Sajedifard

Discipleship Training Center Director

“I love using my spiritual gifts to serve God and support the Farsi-speaking community, guiding them in faith and life as they transition to new countries. It’s deeply fulfilling and meaningful work.”

Milad Motlagh

Middle East Media Production Director

“I’m grateful to serve God’s Kingdom through media, collaborating with believers, planning impactful TV projects, and hearing how our content inspires others. Knowing it draws people closer to God brings deep joy and purpose.”

Amalthia Karali

Communications Director

“What I love most is building deep connections with people as they share their challenges. It’s a privilege to witness their resilience and see God’s providence at work—it continually inspires and amazes me.”

Ioannis Trigkas

Lead Dentist

“I oversee dental services, ensuring quality care for those with limited resources. Leading outreach and treatment planning, I find joy in restoring health and confidence to people who might otherwise go without care.”

Liliana Ball

Skills Training Center Director

“I love seeing refugee women light up with joy as they create and grow. Being part of God’s plan to give them hope and a future—especially spiritually—fills me with deep gratitude and lasting joy.”

Luciana Oliveira

Educational Community Center Director

“I oversee programs supporting the Roma community and coordinate development efforts. I love working with our passionate team, learning from them daily, and watching them thrive. Deepening my understanding of the Roma people is a privilege I truly cherish.”

Emperatriz Karakolidou

Social Medical Center Manager

“I guide and motivate our Social Medical Center staff to serve vulnerable mothers and children. I love empowering the team, organizing creatively, and making a real impact in the lives of those we serve.”

Panos Karakolidis

"Zontas" TV Programs

“I answer calls, lead Bible studies, and send materials to viewers. It’s a joy to share the gospel, build friendships, and hear how the program blesses and encourages people in their walk with God.”

Stephan Calhoun

Church Planting Director

“I love investing in young people, helping them discover their gifts and calling. It’s a privilege to mentor pioneering leaders, guiding them as they plant faith communities and raise local elders to shepherd them.”

Justin Macris

Athens Church Initiatives

“I serve by sharing Scripture at church and providing IT/AV support within HM. I enjoy encouraging faith through teaching and using my technical skills to equip and support staff in their ministry work.”

Jeremy & Karen Thompson

Professional Development Program Directors

"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."

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.