The Reverend Nikki Mathis, Rector

The Rev. Thelma M. (“Nikki”) Mathis is the Rector of St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church in Athens, GA , Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. She holds a BA from Emory University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Divinity from the School of Theology, University of the South: Sewanee.

Before entering the priesthood in 2008, Nikki worked for the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services and later as a licensed Clinical Social Worker, enjoying a social work career that spanned nearly 20 years. During that time, her research earned publication in The Journal of Family Social Work.

Since entering the priesthood, Nikki has authored several articles and sermons in publications that include The Sewanee Theological Review, The Episcopal Preaching Foundation’s Preaching the Beatitudes, Graymoor, and The Alban Weekly.  She is currently a Regent on the Board of this University, having served as Trustee for the University as well. After her ordination, Nikki served the School of Theology as their Associate Dean for Community Life. Active in her diocese, she has been president of the Standing Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, is Vice-Chair on the Board of the Wright House Foundation, Episcopal Fellowship at University of Georgia, and is currently a member of the diocesan Executive Committee. For nearly a decade, she has served on the faculty for the Episcopal Preaching Foundation, and is currently new faculty for the diocesan Learning 2 Lead program. For the past several years, she has also been a member of the Interfaith Clergy Partnership of Greater Athens.

Nikki received her call to the ministry while she was attending St. Gregory the Great in the early 2000s.  The Rt. Rev. Porter Taylor, Rector at that time, encouraged her to attend seminary.

She is married to Vincent Mathis, her phenomenal husband of 14 years, and they both adore (and are slap worn out by) their wonderful 10 year old son, Ethan.
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Email Nikki: rector@stgregoryathens.org
Phone: 706-546-7553 ext. 2
Office Hours:  Tuesday - Friday  9AM - 4PM.  Please call for an appointment.

The Rev. Christina Dondero, Deacon

Joining our clerical staff as Vocational Deacon at St. Gregory the Great is the wonderful Rev. Christina Dondero! Vocational Deacons in the Episcopal Church have a powerful ministry representing the church out in the world, serving those in need, and bringing back to the church the concerns of those she serves. Their ministry is that of selfless giving as they perform this ministry without stipend. And their vocation is so foundational that no one may be ordained a priest or consecrated as a bishop without first being ordained to the diaconate. 
Deacons also perform special functions in the liturgy. In particular, reading the gospel, preparing the altar for communion right after the offertory, and declaring the dismissal of the people at the end of our service of worship. Their ministry is performed in churches at the pleasure of the Bishop, as deacons answer ultimately to the Bishop and the diocesan Archdeacons.

​Email Christina: christinadondero@gmail.com