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.

The Father Joseph Allen Memorial Fund was established in 2019 to document Fr. Joseph’s ministry and the history of St. Anthony’s, the second Pan-Orthodox church in the North America. (Our church history). Your donation to the Fr. Joseph Allen Memorial Fund will support the creation of a living memorial to education and programs that reflects and honors Fr. Joseph’s wisdom, intellect, wit, humor and Christ-like humility and our unique parish where all are welcome.