Saint John’s Church Staff
The Rev. Greg Bezilla, Interim Rector
Greg brings more than 25 years of ministry experience as a parish priest, university campus minister, hospital chaplain, and denominational program officer. In recent years, he has served as the interim at Grace and Holy Trinity, Richmond, St. Mary's, Goochland, and St. Matthias’, Midlothian. Greg holds degrees from The Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and Emory University.
Greg moved to Richmond in June 2023 with his wife, Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley, who serves as the eighth President of Union Presbyterian Seminary, which has campuses in Richmond and Charlotte. They have two adult children: Emma, a professional librarian with the Free Library of Philadelphia; and Sam, who lives in Manhattan and works for Fortuna Health. Greg and Jacq share their Northside home with a rescue dog and two kittens. In his spare time, Greg enjoys exploring Virginia's history and natural beauty, often while hiking or bicycling, as well as cooking, playing tennis, and solving crossword puzzles.
The Rev. Anthony Gaboton, Jr., Associate Rector
Anthony helps to plan and lead worship services and plays a key role in nurturing our Young People’s Ministry, providing support to families, children, and youth. He also contributes to adult faith formation and pastoral care ministries, as well as to the leadership of our Outreach and Justice ministries.
In addition to serving half-time at St. John’s, Anthony is part-time Vicar at Calvary Episcopal Church in Hanover County and assisting the Diocese of Virginia with the Phoebe School for Deacons.
Anthony entered into the priesthood in January 2024. He has several years of ministerial experience, including a residency at Richmond Hill (a spiritual retreat center and monastery), hospital chaplaincy, and youth ministry.
In 2023, Anthony completed a year of Anglican Studies at Virginia Theological Seminary. He is also an alumnus of Oral Roberts University and holds an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary in New York and a Th.M. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
As the son of a military veteran, Anthony has lived in many places but spent most of his life in Virginia. In his spare time, he enjoys bike rides, chess, sports, yoga, sunsets, and has recently started DJing as a hobby.
Patty Duffy, Parish Administrator
Parish Administrator Patty Duffy joined the staff of St. John’s Episcopal Church after a 16-year teaching career. She has a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia and a B.S. in English Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is an active member of St. James’s Episcopal Church. She is an avid beagle owner and currently owns Phripp.
Curtis Sydnor, Minister of Music
Curt Sydnor is a keyboardist and church musician with a background in classical music and jazz. He has a predilection for arranging and composition (including choral work), and a love for the pipe organ.
Curt is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and has received advanced degrees in piano from the Russian Academy of Music and Indiana University.
Curt moved to Richmond in 2019 and has performed locally with different groups while serving as Minister of Music at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at Brook Hill (2019-2022). Curt teaches at Greenspring Academy of Music in the West End and the Fan. He was named 2022 Featured Composer by Classical Revolution, a non-profit which programs classical music around Richmond in non-traditional spaces.
He lives in Richmond with his wife and two children.