Our Abbot

The Very Reverend Father Matthew Christopher, OCR - Originally from the North Country of Washington State, Abbot Matthew’s spiritual journey has unfolded through experiences of both profound challenge and enduring transformation. His adult diagnosis of autism has offered an affirming and clarifying lens for understanding his distinctive gifts, sensitivities, and ways of perceiving the world. This insight enriches his ministry and strengthens his dedication to fostering a Church that honors the inherent dignity of every person and embraces neurodiversity as a reflection of God’s abundant creativity.

Abbot Matthew’s faith journey began with his Baptism and Chrismation into the Antiochian Orthodox Church in high school. Following his excommunication due to his sexuality, he found welcome and healing within the Episcopal Church. Alongside his spouse, he became active in the Anglican Communion as a vowed Franciscan of the Order of Saint Francis. During a moment of private prayer, he vowed that if God freed him from the compulsion to drink, he would devote his life entirely to the service of Christ’s Church.

Answering this call, Abbot Matthew undertook theological formation and ministry, leading to his ordination to the Diaconate in 2019. He later founded the Orthodox Monastery of Saint Brigid in then-Toledo, Ohio, establishing a monastic community characterized by hospitality, contemplative depth, and inclusion.

In 2024, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Holy Orthodox Church, a testament to his steadfast devotion to God and to the faithful entrusted to his care. That same summer, he was consecrated Abbot of Phoenix by His Beatitude, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Archbishop Carl Gregory, in recognition of his leadership to monastic life.

Since 2012, Abbot Matthew has lived one day at a time by the grace of God, meeting life’s complexities with resilience, clarity, and faith. His autism diagnosis has further strengthened his resolve to advocate for a Church that recognizes and celebrates the diverse ways people pray, learn, serve, and experience the sacred.

Abbot Matthew currently resides in Phoenix at the Orthodox Monastery of Saint Brigid, where he lives alongside the Protos, the Venerable Hierodeacon Uriel Patrick-Joan, as well as the monastery’s beloved companions—Grandpa Kitty, Gabriel, and Sadie. Their presence contributes to the warmth and life of the monastic household.

In addition to his pastoral and monastic responsibilities, Abbot Matthew has served on various boards and contributed to multiple organizations, reflecting his commitment to spiritual formation and communal flourishing. He presently serves the Mother Church as a member of the Synod of Bishops, secretary to the Major Archbishop, as well as a Trustee of Three Holy Hierarchs Seminary.