Physical and Mailing Address
Rev. Fr. Youkhannan Badal Piro was born in the city of Turlock, Ca., to Reverend Chorbishop Badal S. Piro and Bereshwa Piro. He began his ecclesiastical education in the Assyrian Church of the East in both Syriac language and liturgical service at the hands of his father, beginning at the age of 5 years. This was instrumental in building a strong foundation in the Apostolic faith of the Church of the East, which is evident to this day.
At the age of 12 years, he was ordained a hypodyakhna (subdeacon) for Mar Addai Parish and served both in his liturgical role as well as as the organist for both the Divine Liturgy and wedding ceremonies. At the age of 18 years, he was ordained a deacon for Mar Addai Parish and served in this capacity until his ordination into the priesthood. On September 13, 2017, he was ordained a priest by His Grace (currently His Holiness) Mar Awa Royel.
Fr. Youkhannan completed both his Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Physiology from the University of California, Davis. In 2004, he obtained his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco. Fr. Youkhannan was the administrator of St. Mary’s Mission Sacramento, Assyrian Church of the East, from 2018 until 2023. He holds a Master of Theology (M.Th.) Degree in Applied Orthodox Theology from the Antiochian House of Studies, and is also a practicing pharmacist in the community in which he resides. Fr. Youkhannan has served as the parish priest of Mar Narsai since June 2023.
Fr. John strongly believes in teaching the Christ-centered faith and liturgical services of the Church. He feels that through biblical study, focusing on the Apostolic Tradition of the Church, we can be better prepared for the growing challenges we face in this world.