Theo Nicolakis ’93: Chief Information Officer

Question he’s most often asked: “Have you abandoned the Red Sox and become a Yankees fan?” Answer: “O ye of little faith.”

As the chief information officer for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Theo Nicolakis is responsible for technology and digital communications for the entire Archdiocese. Projects and events have involved U.S. presidents, the Congress and Senate, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and the Pope. He’s built strategic partnerships with Facebook and Google, managed global communications for over 500 local communities, and helped lead projects including the first Orthodox Christian Bibles for children, for youth, and for the military.

“Having the ability to marry my love for Christian ministry and evangelism and my passion for technology and media as a career is one of the biggest blessings in my life,” he says. “Just about every day is looking at the multifaceted challenges of ministry and figuring out ways to apply technology solutions to those challenges. Each day is an opportunity to convey the gospel that allows people to ‘breathe Christ’ in all they do.”

Theo’s expansive view extends to his leisure pursuits. An avid home theater buff and audiophile, he also loves comic-book, fantasy, and sci-fi genres—and enjoys weaving themes from these genres into his many lectures and retreats for youth, teens, and parents. He writes audio and home theater articles and reviews for www.audioholics.com.

His heroes? “Hands down: my parents, my wife, and my kids.” Biggest influence on his approach to ministry? Father Andrew Demotses, pastor emeritus of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church in Peabody, Massachusetts. Two of his favorite places, in fact, are churches: Demetrios in Thessaloniki, Greece, and the Church of the Prophet Elias (Elijah) on Mount Athos. His favorite quote (from St. Ignatius of Antioch’s Letter to Polycarp 3) is nearly 2000 years old: “Stand firm, like an anvil being smitten with a hammer. It is the mark of a great athlete to be bruised, yet still conquer.”

When asked about a memorable work moment, he recalls setting up a live webcast of church services for a shut-in “who, when the service came on his screen, embraced me and his priests, wept, and became speechless. Glory be to God in all things.”