An American woman met a Greek man at a cafe in central London. It may sound like the set-up to a good joke, but it’s really their calling to ministry and intercultual living. As their dating relationship grew serious, so did their interest in serving in Thanos’s home country of Greece. They were married in March 2023 in London and moved to Athens one year later in March 2024.

Kristen and Thanos’s prayer is God’s kingdom growing in Greece, specifically to those under-resourced. Through their local church in Kypseli, they serve in numerous ministries reaching new parents, families, musicians, and fellow immigrants. With backgrounds in hospitality and community development, their work also include nurturing and empowering their neighbours through shared meals, community gardening, and art lessons.

They are also lifelong learners who nerd out over new discoveries. Thanos plays guitar and studies at seminary. Kristen is continuing her mastery of the Greek language through tutoring sessions, conversational practice, and frequent mistakes while shopping at the farmers market.

Kristen and Thanos enjoy being a multicultural couple; representing five countries and two languages in their marriage. They share a love for cooking, documentaries, and exploring new places. Their cat Freddie is enjoying his retirement life in Greece after being rescued from the mean streets of London, and passes his time with bird watching and cuddles.

Kristen is an INFP (Myers Briggs) and her Strengths Finder strengths are Empathy, Developer, Harmony, Adaptability, and Intellection. She graduated from Covenant College in 2008 with a degree in Community Development.

Thanos’ is INFJ (Myers Briggs) and his Strengths Finder strengths are Achiever, Discipline, Intellection, Futuristic, and Focus. Before joining Communitas, he worked as a pastry chef for 18 years. Currently he is studying at the Greek Bible College.