The first step of any great journey can be the riskiest one of all. It is 1992, and the nation is reeling from the AIDS pandemic. When Fr. Demetri, a newly ordained Chicago-born priest, visits Bob—a man dying from complications due to AIDS, abandoned by his own parish priest out of fear—his life takes an unexpected turn. That single act of compassion sparks a deeper calling to social activism, setting him on a path he never anticipated. Yet nothing prepared the hard-nosed priest for a face-to-face encounter with a convicted murderer years later. Andrew, who is scheduled to be executed in less than three weeks, maintains his innocence regarding the grisly crime. But when the governor of the state—the inmate’s last hope—refuses to show mercy, the priest must again face the true cost of his calling.In this gripping true story of faith, justice, and redemption, one priest's mission to save a single life becomes a fight to transform an entire system.

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Meet Your Authors

BISHOP DEMETRIOS C. KANTZAVELOS has been an ordained clergyman for more than thirty years and a bishop for more than eighteen years. He retired from active ministry in early 2023 after a long career with the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. Between 1992 and 2017, he was a dynamic leader in social activism, earning numerous awards for his groundbreaking AIDS ministry and his successful advocacy to abolish the death penalty in Illinois. His extensive interfaith, ecumenical, and Greek Orthodox networks, growing media presence, and broad social connections in Chicago have made him a recognized figure. He has been featured over a dozen times in outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, the Philadelphia Inquirer, radio, and YouTube. Bishop Demetrios resides in Chicago, Illinois, and in a rural village in the Peloponnese region of Greece.PATRA McSHARRY SEVASTIADES, who began her professional career editing scientific papers by Soviet emigre scientists, is the author of several children's nonfiction books, including The Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The Hoover Dam. She edited Apocalypse: The Book of Revelation and The Gospel of Love: A Meta-Translation.

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SUNDAY, November 16, 2025

The Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church

Brooklyn, New York

1724 Avenue P, Brooklyn, NY
Phone: (718) 339-0280
Divine Liturgy: 10:30AM - 12 Noon
Book Signing: 12:30PM - 2:00PM, Community Center Whitehall

SUNDAY, November 16, 2025

Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church

Port Washington, New York

100 Fairway Drive, Port Washington, NY
Phone: (516) 944-3180
Talk and Book Signing: 4:00PM, Angeliades Fellowship Hall
Hosted by The Heritage Library and Bookstore

Monday, November 17, 2025

Fordham University

Interview Panel

I’m excited to share that I’ll be taking part in an interview-style panel on my book, Grace Unbound: The Sacred Activism of an Orthodox Bishop, at Fordham University, sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Studies Center.The conversation will be led by Gregory Pappas, founder and publisher of The Pappas Post and a leading voice in the Greek-American community known for his work highlighting Hellenic culture, heritage, and contemporary issues.Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus
Lowenstein Building | 12th Floor Lounge
113 West 60th St | New York, NYMonday, November 17, 2025
Panel Discussion: 6PMSponsored by the Orthodox Christian Studies CenterModerator: Gregory Pappas, The Pappas Post

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TUESDAY, November 18, 2025

St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church

Albany, New York

440 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY 12208
Talk and Book Signing: 7:00PM, The Community Center
Moderator: Paul Grondahl, Director - The New York State Writers Institution

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Chicago

Book Launch

~ Hosted by the Balourdos Families ~

I’d love for you to join me for what promises to be an unforgettable afternoon as we celebrate the official release of my book in the heart of Chicago! This special event will include a live reading, a Q&A session where we’ll explore themes of faith, justice, and redemption, and plenty of time to connect with fellow readers. Enjoy meaningful conversation, refreshments, and the chance to purchase a personalized, autographed copy of the book. I can’t wait to see you there!

◈LOCATION: Labriola Ristorante, "The Parlor Room"◈ADDRESS: 535 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611◈DATE: Sunday, May 18, 2025◈TIME: 3-5PM

At 4:00 PM, I will offer a brief presentation and read selected excerpts from Grace Unbound. I look forward to sharing this special moment with you.

Thursday, may 22, 2025

Duluth

Book Signing

~ Hosted by Dean Casperson ~

Join us for an unforgettable evening in Duluth, Minnesota, as we celebrate the release of Grace Unbound.  This special event will feature a conversation with the authors about the story behind the book, a captivating reading, and a thoughtful Q&A exploring the intersection of faith, justice, and the power of redemption. Enjoy refreshments, connect with fellow readers, and take home a personalized copy of the book. Looking forward to seeing you there.

◈LOCATION: Kitchi Gammi Club◈ADDRESS: 831 E. Superior Street, Duluth, MN, 55802◈DATE: Thursday, May 22, 2025◈TIME: 6:00pm-7:30pm

Sunday, June 08, 2025

New York

Book Signing & Panel Discussion

To conclude the Greek America Foundation's 2025 Gabby Awards weekend, Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos will host a special brunch and discussion about his newly acclaimed book, "Grace Unbound," at the Boro Hotel in Queens. In this gripping true story of faith, justice and redemption, one priest's mission to save a single life becomes a fight to transform an entire system. Attendees will discover insights into the book's themes, explore meaningful conversations and meet one of the preeminent spiritual leaders in our community.

◈LOCATION: Boro Hotel◈ADDRESS: 27th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101◈DATE: Sunday, June 08, 2025◈TIME: 12:30PM - 3:30PM