Thaleia completed her undergraduate medical degree in Athens, Greece. There, she experienced, for the first time, the importance of being part of a vibrant Christian Orthodox community at the youth fellowship of Saint Nikolaos Filopappou Athens. She came to Edinburgh for a Master’s degree in Human Anatomy in 2017. Here, she found a second spiritual home - that of the Christian Orthodox Community of Saint Andrew the Apostle. In this community, she met her husband, who is now a priest, and together, they have four children and many dear friends.

Fotini has spent much of her life studying education: she has a BA Honours in Community Education, an MSc in Ecological Economics with an emphasis on environmental education, and a PhD in Socratic Education (all from Edinburgh University). Her degrees are a reflection of a life-long interest in pedagogy. She has a keen interest in how learning can best contribute to children becoming joyful, virtuous adults who excel in whatever they apply themselves to.   She became involved in Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Church School because she wants to see a school that combines our life-giving Orthodox values with an excellent programme of academic study. Her current research interests look at how Classical education models can be best adapted to the Scottish context; and how to combine Classical models of learning with Playful Pedagogy and a Forest School approach. You can read her work on education at Beautiful Education. Fotini and her husband have five children.

Catherine studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and graduated with Distinction. She practices in Edinburgh as a first opinion small animal veterinarian surgeon. Catherine and her husband have three children. She became involved in Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Church School while contemplating her own children’s educational futures and has committed to provide them with an environment where they will thrive.

Archbishop Nikitas took on his role as head of the archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain in 2019. Since that time he has blessed, supported and inspired the growth of several Christian Orthodox educational projects. Our school began with His Eminence’s blessing and operates under his auspices.

His Eminence holds a BA with honours from the University of Florida and a Master of Divinity with honours from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He completed further studies at the University of Thessaloniki and at the Theological Seminary of Saint Petersburg. He speaks fluent English, Greek and Russian. Among his many contributions, His Eminence chairs the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Committee on Youth, coordinates its Task Force on Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery, and co-chairs the Elijah Inter-Faith Foundation.

Bishop Raphael studied theology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Following his undergraduate studies, he completed his PhD Thesis in the field of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He served as parish priest and university chaplain in Edinburgh from 2004 until 2021 when he was ordained to the episcopacy.   Bishop Raphael feels the importance of good Christian Orthodox education and is a loving supporter of the school. He acts as our spiritual director, ensuring that everything is done prayerfully and keeps to our Orthodox ethos.

Glenn brings over 40 years of teaching experience across the primary age range and topic spectrum, both in the UK and abroad. His traditional, knowledge-centred approach aligns with Saint Andrew’s classical curriculum. As a former competitive athlete and qualified sports instructor, he encourages pupils to find focus and motivation. Glenn’s wide interests include history, literature, science, and the arts. He is passionate about language and poetry, believing that a love of language is central to confidence and success in learning. Glenn is dedicated to fostering this delight in his students through traditional teaching methods.

Beverley was born in South Africa, where she completed her honours degree in Education, majoring in Geography and Biblical Studies. She has taught for nearly 40 years in Christian faith-based schools, and has served as a head teacher at two of Edinburgh’s independent primary schools. The wealth of experience she brings to our team is a ‘gamechanger’. She is a creative and enthusiastic teacher, forever finding new ways to bring the syllabus to life. Mrs Kelly also leads our knitting and crochet club.

James holds a PGCE in Religious Studies and Philosophy from the University of Cambridge and an MA (Hons) in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Edinburgh. He has taught across the secondary age range in England and Scotland, expanding his subjects to Classical Studies and History. To join our team and support Orthodox schooling with his many talents, he has moved his registration to primary.

James has experience teaching in Christian schools, and a deep appreciation for faith-centred education and its connection to our Classical Curriculum. His interests include philosophy, literature and theology, which he has further pursued through the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies (IOCS) in Cambridge. He has a particular interest in the Christian heritage of the British Isles, especially the lives of local saints and the traditions and places associated with them. His ability to bring every subject to life is remarkable!

Caroline is a professional singer (opera, recitals, repertoire from Hildegard to contemporary composers), choir director and voice teacher. She taught for 18 years at Nottingham University, and at various schools and conservatoires in England and France.  She is musical director at St Andrews Church where she is keen to encourage everyone to sing. She also plays viola da gamba, violin and piano. 

Daniel holds a degree in Classics from the University of Oxford and has many years’ experience in the software industry. Daniel hopes to pass on his enthusiasm for computers - as being useful tools, not playthings - to the children, as well as his love for learning in general. His classes will cover a wide range of topics from computer history to web development, programming and robotics. Daniel and his family are part of the community of St Luke’s Orthodox Church in Glasgow, where he assists the parish priest.

Anca holds a BA in Childhood Studies, and an HNC in Health and Social Studies. She has worked as a primary school teacher in Romania for 15 years before she came over to Scotland, met her dear husband and stayed to start a family. Together with her husband they have raised 3 sons. She worked as a Nursery Manager for 14 years in Dumfries, owning her own nursery for years. After her retirement Anca has continued to volunteer in schools as a Learning assistant continuing to bring her love of childhood to Scotland’s children. Anca has supported the school as an advisor since its inception. She is our play specialist and she keeps us right on the many processes and policies required for the daily running of a school. Anca has been a member of Saint Andrew Orthodox Church Edinburgh since 2014.