panelists

Dr. Ary Christofidis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. His approach in working with clients includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic and Family Systems therapies. The foundation of his approach to therapy comes from his three years of study at Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology and the teachings of the Orthodox Christian Church. Dr. Christofidis received two graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh: a Masters in Clinical Social Work and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Christofidis is a nationally recognized speaker within the Pan-Orthodox community. In 2014 His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago appointed Dr. Christofidis to be the permanent representative to the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care.

Rev. Dr. Perry Hamalis is the Cecelia Schneller Mueller Professor of Religion at North Central College (Naperville, IL). He is an alumnus of Boston College (BA in Philosophy), Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (M.Div) and the University of Chicago (Ph.D. in Religious Ethics). Dr. Hamalis teaches, speaks, and writes in the field of Christian Ethics. In addition to several other publications, he is co-editor of the forthcoming book, Orthodox Christian Perspectives on War. Dr. Hamalis is a deacon of the Orthodox Metropolis of Korea (Ecumenical Patriarchate), having served as a 2015-16 Fulbright Scholar in South Korea and having worked closely with the Orthodox community of Korea for the past 16 years. He is married to Diakonissa Panayota (Pat), and they have two children, Michael (19) and Gia (16).

Dr Gayle Woloschak is Professor of Radiation Oncology at Northwestern University School of Medicine, Adjunct Professor of Religion and Science at Lutheran School of Theology Chicago, and Adjunct Professor of Bioethics at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary. She received her PhD from the University of Toledo, did her post-doctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, and worked at Argonne National Laboratory prior to taking her current position at Northwestern University. She also received a DMin in Eastern Christian Studies from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as part of the Antiochian House of Studies. Her scientific interests are in radiation biology, nanotechnology and cancer research. Her science and religion interests are in evolution, bioethics and other topics at the interface of the two disciplines.