September 3, 2025

Friends,

The people of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Worcester have called The Reverend Chandler Poling to serve as Deacon-in-Charge beginning October 1. This vibrant congregation has strong lay leaders and has sought new opportunities for mission in their neighborhood.

Chandler earned a Bachelor of Divinity from the University of London (2000). He holds a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale Divinity School (2003) and a Master of Divinity in Theology from St. Vladimir's Seminary (2012) in New York. I will ordain Chandler to the transitional diaconate on September 20 at St. John's, Williamstown, his sponsoring congregation. We joyfully anticipate his ordination to the priesthood sometime in late winter/early spring at which time he will become priest-in-charge.

Formerly an Orthodox priest, Chandler served as rector of St. Innocent Orthodox Church in Oneonta, New York from 2012-2015. After discerning his departure from the Orthodox priesthood, Chandler's professional life became centered on those experiencing homelessness or transitioning to supportive housing. He is married to Stefanie, a nurse practitioner at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. Together they parent three children: Elias (20), Mariam (15), and John (13).  

I ask your prayers for Chandler as he takes on leadership of St. Matthew's. Pray for his family in this time of transition and ask God to bless the faithful people of St. Matthew's as this new chapter of mission begins.