Rev. Archdeacon Elias Corey was born in Terre Haute, Indiana to Alexander and Jamily (Haddad/Shaheen) Corey. Lou or Louis as he is known in his secular life, married Denise Marie Deacon of Parma, Ohio. They met at a Parish Life Conference held in Akron, Ohio in 1977. They were blessed with 3 children: +Abraham, Andrea, and Amanda.

In his youth, Louis sang with a semi-professional group of talented young men called “The Fascinators” who later had the opportunity to sing on the Ed Sullivan and Dean Martin Shows under the name of “The Swinging Lads.” Lou continued his education at Indiana State University while subsidizing his income through shoe sales at several local Shoe Stores. Lou eventually was approached by Brown Shoe Corporation (Wohl Shoe Division) to run their local shoe business which was located in the former Meis Department Store up until the time he opened his first retail store called Mister Corey’s Fine Footwear located at South 7th Street.

Lou sang as a life member of the St. George Choir until he was asked to come forward to the chanter’s stand to assist Fr. George Rados, and shortly after Fr. Samuel David, who was instrumental in guiding him towards ordination. In 1986, Lou was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL (Shaheen) of Toledo, Ohio (who was Dn. Elias’ 2nd cousin). At his ordination, he took on his Christian name from birth to become Deacon Elias.

Though semi-retired, he continues to operate Corey’s Fine Footwear located at 515 Wabash Avenue in Downtown Terre Haute. Arch. Elias serves both the local community as a retailer and his parish community at St. George Orthodox Church of Terre Haute, Indiana.

On Bright Thursday, April 12, 2018, he was elevated to the Rank of Protodeacon by His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY of Toledo during his Hierarchal visit to our parish community. This honor was bestowed upon Arch. Elias for his more than 30 years of dedicated service!