V. Rev. Archimandrite Gabriel Hanley
(Icon of the Taxiarche Mantamados ~~Monastery of the Taxiarche --Mantamados, Lesbos, Greece)
Fr. Gabriel is available via email if you would like to contact him: frphanley@transfiguration.va.goarch.org
IMPORTANT PARISH ANNOUNCEMENT EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1ST, 2026
FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM FATHER GABRIEL
MESSAGE FROM PC PRESIDENT: MR. PETER HARBILAS
Brief Biographical information:
Prior to full-time life in the ministry of the Church, Father Gabriel’s background was primarily in public-service (Law Enforcement) both in the civilian and military. Father Gabriel began his career in Law Enforcement with a University Police Department (NMIMT) in Central New Mexico in 1996. During this same time period, the opportunity would present itself, to enlist in the New Mexico Air National Guard; at that time the 150th Fighter Wing, today the 150th has been re-tasked, as the 150th Special Operations Wing. He enlisted and after completion of Basic Military Training and Security Police Technical School at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, he was assigned to the 150th Security Forces Squadron (NMANG). In January of 1997, he accepted a full-time position with the City of Socorro Police Department in Central New Mexico. To pursue advancement opportunities and further career objectives a year later, Father Gabriel would enter on active duty in the U.S.A.F., leaving civilian Law Enforcement for Military Law Enforcement.
During his time in the Air Force, Father Gabriel was deployed to many different locations throughout the world, in support of different Military Operations. Including, Operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism, as well as numerous other deployments for local exercises. Many of these deployments also were in support of NATO in Europe. Father’s primary specialty in the Air Force was Security Police (now renamed Security Forces in the Air Force), and he was also assigned to the 64th Weapons of Mass Destruction –Civil Support Team (this unit’s primary mission was to assist civilian authorities in the event of a terrorist attack.) In the fall of 2002, Father Gabriel was Honorably Discharged, due to medical issues, that arose as a result of his service. At the end of 2002, Father Gabriel would enter Seminary, at Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. In 2005, Father completed his Bachelor’s degree and in 2008 the Master of Divinity Degree.
Father Gabriel is originally from Paramus, NJ. His Parents of blessed memory are from Lesbos, Greece (Mother --Despina) and Father (Robert Sr.) is of Irish decent. His mother was Greek Orthodox and his father Roman Catholic. Although Father was always raised in the Greek Orthodox Church. He is the oldest of three siblings. Originally, named after his father, his given name is Robert E. Hanley Jr., and when Baptized, he was given the name Panagioti (August 15th). On March 10th, 2025, he was given the new Ecclesiastical name of GABRIEL (March 26th), by Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, when he was elevated to the Rank of Archimandrite.
After Seminary, Father Gabriel was released from the Holy Metropolis of Denver and began working at the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey Headquarters, as a Deacon, for then, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey (now Sardis).
After being Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 2014, he was assigned to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, VA, as a second Priest. He was in this position for approximately 1 year and 3 months.
In 2015 he was assigned to Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Charlottesville, VA, as the Priest-in-Charge (Proistamenos). He continues in this position today.
Ordinations:
Holy Deaconate: December 16th, 2007, –by the Hand of His Eminence, Metropolitan ISIAIAH of Denver, at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Denver, CO.
Holy Priesthood: January 19th, 2014, --by the Hand of His Eminence, Metropolitan EVANGLEOS of Sardis (formerly of New Jersey) at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Toms River, New Jersey
Offikion:
Elevated to Archimandrite –March 10th, 2025, by Metropolitan APOSTOLOS of New Jersey –At St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Ocean City, MD.
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