Michael Moynihan

Michael has been an active member of Christ Church Pelham for more than twelve years. Almost immediately after joining Christ Church he began to lead the weekly Bible Study. This group meets every Thursday morning at 10:00 in the Church Library. It was begun and led for a number of years by Nancy Marvel, who cleverly convinced Michael to take over the leadership role. Each week the Lectionary-based Bible Study group prays, studies and discusses the upcoming Sunday’s readings, other related parts of the Bible, and how all of this applies to our daily lives.

Michael is a former Roman Priest, who was received into the Episcopal Church seventeen years ago. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Philosophy B.A., he was sent to Rome to pursue his Theology Degree S.T.B. at the Gregorian University. He was among the first international class of new priests to be ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica by then new Pope (Saint) John-Paul II. Several years later Michael returned to Rome for a licensed degree in Church Law J.C.L. 

Over the years Michael served as a Curate, Pastor, Territorial Vicar, School President, U.S. Navy Chaplain and for 25 years, Chaplain of SUNY Maritime College in Throggs Neck, Bronx, several of these roles simultaneously.  He also enjoyed serving as President of the Center for Christian Jewish Understanding at Sacred Heart University. An interest in inter-faith and ecumenical understanding grew from his childhood surrounded by friends and neighbors of Jewish and other non-Catholic faiths.

At Christ Church you’ll not only see Michael at Bible Study, but also as a Crucifer, Lector, occasional preacher, and even a bartender or waiter at Parish events. Michael and his long-time partner, also Michael (“The Michaels”) live in Throggs Neck with their golden retriever, Jonah, and as often as possible in the Catskills. He is fluent in Italian, somewhat in French, and both studied and taught in Latin.