Fr John Chagnon was born in Wausau, Wisconsin and moved to Minnesota in 1975 where he graduated from Mahtomedi High School, Lakewood Community College, and Bemidji State University (BS Cum Laude Mass Communication).

A 1989 Master of Divinity graduate of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Lombard, Illinois, Fr. John has also completed specialized training in urban ministry, clinical pastoral education, and Orthodox Christianity through the St. Stephen's Course of Studies. He has served parishes in Wisconsin, Kansas, and Minnesota and served as a Chaplain in mental health and long term care settings.

Fr. John came to St. Elias as Interim Priest in 2005 and was appointed Priest in June of 2006. As the church rebuilds, stabilizes, and develops ministry he continues to work in health care and live in Minnesota while serving St. Elias.

Fr John is married to Khouria Jane, who directs a dementia care unit in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Together they have two cats. His hobbies include music (bass, mandolin, and keyboards) writing, reading, kayaking, sports, and gardening. You can read his blog at www.travelingpriest.blogspot.com