Deacon Gregory Krochta

Deacon Gregory comes to St. Catherine from Carpatho-Russian Orthodox roots, raised as a young boy in southern Connecticut. While earning his Bachelors Degree in Aeronautical Engineering Technology at Arizona State University, he met the love of his life, now Diakonissa Michele, a native of Phoenix, AZ. Married in 1987, they raised three lovely daughters and are currently the proud grandparents of two beautiful granddaughters. Prior to the Diaconate, Greg lived out his passion for flying, first as a USAF fighter pilot, retiring after 22 years of military service, and then retiring again as a Southwest Airlines Captain after 17 years. 

Deacon Gregory has served the Holy Orthodox Church in many capacities...as an Altarboy, Reader, Parish Council Member, Acolyte Leader, International Orthodox Christian Charities Action Team Leader, and Metropolis of Denver Men’s Retreat Coordinator. In February 2025, after completing the 3-year Holy Cross Diaconate Program, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate under the hand of Metropolitan Constantine of Denver. Besides his love of flying and serving his church, Deacon Gregory is an avid year-round fly fisherman, a snowboarder and skier, and is currently learning to play the guitar.