Clergy

Rev. Fr. John Bociu was born to Ioan and Maria Bociu in Timisoara (Giroc), Romania in  April 1964.  In June 1985 he graduated from the Theological Seminary in Caransebes, Romania and from July of 1985 until July of 1986 he served as Private, Corporal and Lieutenant in the Romanian Army.  Following his military service he continued his theological graduate studies in a four year program with the Theological Institute in Sibiu.  From  September 1986 through June 1989  father John was enrolled as a part time student in the School of Arts with focus in music theory; bell-canto (Mozart  operas and German lieder). His studies in music advanced and included   private studies in bell-canto with Maestro Emil Rotundu (Opera House in Timisoara) from May of 1991 – June of 1993).

In September of  1988 Fr. John married Liliana Munean.  In 1996 Liliana graduated from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara with her Medical Degree. In June of 1990 he received his Master of Divinity  from the Theological Institute in Sibiu and from July 1990 until July 2000 he was assigned as  Deacon at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Timisoara (Romanian Patriarchate) by His Eminence Nicolae, Metropolitan of the Metropolis of Banat and Archbishop of Timisoara.

In 2000 Fr. John and his family moved to the United States where he served with Fr. Frank Kirlangitis as Deacon of  the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Sarasota from June 2001 through August 2003.  In May 2003 Fr. John received his Masters Degree in Theology from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston.   Following his Ordination to the Priesthood by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, he was appointed as Assistant Priest - Presbyter Ephemerios to the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Fl. where he served from September 2003, until July 2008.

In July 2008 Fr. John was assigned by Metropolitan Alexios to the Saint Stefanos Greek Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg where he served until October 2012.

Fr. John and Presbytera Liliana have two children, Ioanna born in Cluj Napoca in February 1990 and Adrian born in Timisoara in June 1991.  At the present time both of their children are pursuing their studies at the university.
It is with great spiritual joy we welcome back Fr. John and his family, who has been assigned as of November 1st, 2012, by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios,  as Pastor of the Saint  Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.