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For more than a half a century, St. Anthony's and Father Joe, or “FJ” as he was affectionately known,
were one and the same.
He first came to St. Anthony’s in 1967, fresh out of the seminary, and faithfully guided our spiritual
community until 2019. From his arrival, Father Joe insisted that St. Anthony's be a parish that reflects
all cultures central to Orthodoxy, and a welcoming home to those who converted to the faith. This
vision made him, and in turn, St. Anthony's a treasure to the Archdiocese.
As important as he was to us, Father Joe was also revered and beloved throughout the archdiocese
and beyond. He earned a Doctorate in Theology, was a professor at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts and at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in
Crestwood, New York. He wrote or edited eleven books on Orthodox Theology, and his articles were
featured in many publications. He served the archdiocese in a number of positions: Director of
Theological and Pastoral Education, Vicar General, Co-Editor of The Word magazine, and
National Chaplain for the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch. He was the Founder and Director of the
Antiochian House of Studies/St. Stephen's Course in Applied Orthodox Theology.
In 2019, Father Joe took on a new mantle as St. Anthony's first Pastor Emeritus. It allowed him to use
his knowledge and wisdom in an advisory role, while still staying very active in the parish until his
passing in 2020.
Father Joe's widow, Khouria Valerie Allen, is still active in the St. Anthony's community. His sons,
Phil and Joe grew up in the parish, and now have families of their own.