Parish Clergy

Rev. Fr. Isaac Williams, Presiding Priest

“But I say to you that hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Blessings in the Lord! I am so happy that you found our community!

I was raised as a Protestant Christian until the time I was twelve. About that time, I discovered Orthodoxy (with the help of my father) and attended my first Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, in Columbus, Ohio. I felt a power and a grace in Orthodoxy that I had never known before. I fell in love with the Faith and decided immediately to pursue entry into the Orthodox Church.

Under the loving guidance of my Spiritual Father and Confessor, Fr. John Stavropoulos, I underwent Catechism (i.e., religious instruction) and was eventually Chrismated in the Church.

Since that time, I served as an Acolyte, Ecclesiarch, Chanter, Church Tour Guide and Adult Catechist. That community raised me — and to serving it as an Assistant Priest was a great blessing.

I earned my degree in Philosophy from The Ohio State University, where I spent considerable time studying Ancient and Medieval philosophy. I maintain a particular fondness for the Jewish, Christian and Islamic commentators on Aristotle. 

I met my wife, Presvytera Lisa (Maria), during those years and we became fast friends. I loved how she challenged me and I will always cherish her friendship, counsel and guidance. I cherish everyday and pray that God reward her constant love!

After my undergraduate education, I spent several years first as a bookseller, then as a manager at the same bookstore. My experience there taught me a great deal. I will say, however, that time spent in service to others, whether they be family, friends and/or strangers — such as my customers were at first! — is never time wasted.

When my wife and I discerned that our calling was to ministry in the Church, we applied to Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, where I studied for four years and then worked for an additional year. Our time there was impactful both spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. The school became a kind of second home for us and we will always remember it fondly.

After we left the School, we were assigned to the Annunciation Cathedral, where I grew up and where Presvytera also attended. I was ordained there by Metropolitan SAVAS of Pittsburgh, first to the Diaconate on October 8th, 2022, and then to the Priesthood on November 20th, 2022.

In the Spring of 2025, I was blessed with the opportunity to come to Charleston, WV, and to serve this holy community. I pray that God grants us together many years. I could not be happier to minister to the family of Christ — and to minister to you, if you will allow me! You are welcome to reach out to me at any time.

In the meantime, may God — Who made you and fashioned you — bless you and keep you always!

Email: fr.isaac.williams@gmail.com

Phone: 614.738.3793