By Richard Kaufman
The Rev’d. Marek Zabriskie will be the 10th Rector of Christ Church Greenwich, effective Nov. 4, as announced by the Wardens and Vestry of the historic Greenwich church earlier this week.
Zabriskie has served as Rector of St. Thomas Church, Whitemarsh in Fort Washington, Pa., since 1995. Prior to his time there, he served as the Associate Rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church, in Richmond, Va., and as the Assistant to the Rector at St. George’s Episcopal Church, in Nashville, Tenn.
Originally from Detroit, Mich., Zabriskie studied philosophy at Emory University and trained for the priesthood at Yale and Berkeley Divinity Schools. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1990.
“When I heard that Christ Church Greenwich was seeking a new rector, I felt the Spirit speak deeply to me about this parish, a flagship of the Episcopal Church,” Zabriskie said in a release from the church. “I am grateful to the Vestry and Wardens for the opportunity to serve. There is no limit to what the wonderful people of Greenwich can do with God’s help in and through this remarkable church.”
There was a thorough and extensive search process at the end of the year transition during which the Rev’d. John Branson served as Interim Rector. The Vestry of Christ Church Greenwich voted unanimously to bring on Zabriskie.
“Marek’s vision for Christ Church Greenwich reinforced our own in a phenomenal way,” said Senior Warden, Randy Schwimmer. “It was quickly clear to us that he is a dynamic priest who will lead us into an exciting future.”
George Belshaw, Junior Warden of the church, echoed those sentiments in a statement from the church.
“Marek is an excellent fit for Christ Church Greenwich in so many ways: he is pastoral, a powerful preacher, personable, passionate about spiritual leadership, and an accomplished leader,” Belshaw said.
Zabriskie has published and edited several books, and is a member of the Compass Rose Society, which assists the Archbishop of Canterbury. He and his wife, Mims, have three daughters, Emily, Marguerite and Isabelle who are age 31, 23 and 20.
There will be an opportunity to meet Zabriskie at the Great Fall Gathering on Sunday, Sept. 16. Worship service begins at 10 a.m., and the theme for this year’s event is “Welcome to the Neighborhood.” Attendees can enjoy community, food, and family fun, complete with bouncy castles, pony rides and games.
