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Fr. Philip was born and raised in the heartland of America: Sioux City, Iowa. He is the son of Orthodox parents, the V. Rev. Fr. Thomas and Kh. Beth Begley. Father grew up attending services and Sunday School at St. Thomas Antiochian Orthodox church in Sioux City and quickly developed a love for the faith. In particular, he enjoyed serving as an altar boy and chanter. As he matured, Fr. Philip would often shadow his father, going with him on hospital visits and observing the various facets of ministry. This experience motivated him to pursue a theological education. After much prayer, he enrolled at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where he earned a degree in Religious Studies, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2009.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Fr. Philip applied for and received a scholarship from the Antiochian Archdiocese and was assigned to Holy Cross Greek School of Theology by His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP of thrice blessed memory.
At Seminary, Fr. Philip met his wife, Mat. Sarah and the two were married at the Antiochian Village in August of 2010. A year later, Fr. Philip was ordained to the Diaconate, and in January of 2012, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace Bishop JOHN (This was the first ordination Bishop JOHN performed after his consecration to the Episcopacy). Fr. Philip then graduated with highest distinction and a Masters in Divinity, while Mat. Sarah graduated with two degrees (a ThM and a MTS).
After graduation in 2012, Fr. Philip was assigned to be the pastor of St. George Orthodox Church in Glens Falls, New York. Five years later, in 2017, he was transferred to St. Ignatius church in Franklin, TN, where he now serves as Senior Pastor.
During Fr. Philip’s time at St. Ignatius, the parish has grown, and numerous ministries have been created, including a prison ministry, as well as benevolence and bereavement ministries. He and the faithful of St. Ignatius have also hosted numerous fall retreats on behalf of the Diocese of Miami and the Southeast. On September 22nd, 2024, Fr. Philip was elevated to the rank of Archpriest by His Grace Bishop NICHOLAS.
In addition to being a father of two, Fr. Philip enjoys spending time on spiritual reading. In particular, he has a love for the writings of Sts. Philaret of Moscow and Tikhon of Zadonsk. Father is also a science fiction buff and lifelong fan of Star Trek!
