Author Spotlight: Father Chris P. Kerhulas
This time, I put Father Chris P. Kerhulas in the Author Spotlight! Read on to learn more about him, his book, and more.
Meet Father Chris
Father Chris P. Kerhulas is a retired priest and the author of a timeless book of parenting wisdom, called Parent Points (independently published, 2018). Keep reading to learn more.
Q&A with Father Chris P. Kerhulas
… On life and work
Where are you from? Tell us a little about you.
I grew up on the West Side of Chicago. I went to Plato Elementary School, which at the time was part of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. After, I attended Austin High School. Then I went on to Hellenic College. I earned a MDiv degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA.
Where do you trace your Greek roots?
My parents were Spartans.
You’re a priest.
I served as Associate Pastor of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Oak Lawn, IL from 1975-78. From 1978-1981, I served as Pastor of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Waukegan, IL. Then in 1981, I was appointed by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago to serve as Youth Director for the Midwest. Also in 1981, I took over the inner-city church, St. Basil, in the West loop area. I held both positions until 1989 when I terminated my tenure as youth director, but I continued at St. Basil until July 2010.
From 1981-2010, I served on numerous national youth commissions and various national clergy activist organizations. This included a two-year term as president of our national clergy association called the APC (Archdiocese Presbyters Council), where I represented over 600 clergymen. Even though I’m officially retired from active ministry since 2010, I still do a lot of counseling and mentoring helping clergymen in their ministries.
… On reading
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I read everything that Mitch Albom writes.
… On his book
Why did you write Parent Points?
I wanted to share some practical tips for parents, things I feel very strongly about.
What’s it about?
It’s based on all my experiences as a parent and grandparent, and over decades of counseling young people and their parents. It provides real strategies and insights on raising fledgling human beings with minds and wills of their own.
When did it come out?
2018.
Why is this book important?
I wanted parents to know they weren’t alone. And that my words of wisdom might offer some comfort and reassurance in challenging times. If we do it right, our kids will also learn to be better, stronger, and more resilient in the face of adversity. This book is meant to be a resource parents can return to again and again.
… On the future
Will you write another book?
Someday I’d love to write an autobiography about the real priesthood, including some of the painful moments my family and I dealt with.
Anything else you want to share?
I appeared in three independent films, including Do You Wanna Dance (1986). Filmmaker Robert Krantz (Karountzos) is a dear friend for many years. He based it on my ministry, life, and philosophies. Bob actually inspired me to write Parent Points. He said that lessons he learned from me helped him to raise his triplet sons.
To purchase a copy, contact Father Chris.
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