V. Rev. Archpriest Michael G. Shaheen Dean
Father Michael Shaheen was born in Toledo, Ohio, and is the son of the Late Archpriest George Shaheen of Blessed Memory and Khourieh Marguerite Shaheen. He is also the nephew of the Late Archbishop Michael Shaheen of thrice Blessed Memory.
Raised in a family deeply committed to the Orthodox faith, Father Michael's formative years were shaped by his father’s pastoral service, which led the family to various parishes across the country during a significant period in the history of the Antiochian Archdiocese. His parents played a crucial role in fostering unity within the Archdiocese, working diligently to bring together the Toledo and New York dioceses.
Father Michael pursued his theological education at The University of Toledo and later at McGill University in Montreal, where he completed the St. Stephen’s Course of Theology and earned a Bachelor of Theology. In 1994, he began serving St. George Church in Montreal as a youth director, gaining valuable experience in ministry and community engagement.
On March 22, 1998, he was ordained a deacon and served as a full-time pastoral assistant at St. George Montreal, where he was actively involved in pastoral care, hospital visitations, and church administration. His ordination to the Holy Priesthood took place on December 10, 2006, after which he was appointed assistant pastor. In addition to his clerical duties, Father Michael was instrumental in founding several parish organizations aimed at strengthening the spiritual and social bonds of the community. He also established Camp Transfiguration, a summer camp in Canada modeled after the Antiochian Village Camp, providing young people with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Orthodox faith.
Father Michael now serves as the acting priest of the newly established Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas in East Toledo. He is committed to guiding this growing parish, fostering spiritual growth, and welcoming all who seek a deeper relationship with Christ and His Holy Church