I’ve been fascinated by history and travel for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a small town hearing stories about old times from my grandparents and planning out visits to historical sites for my patient parents and brothers.  I first traveled abroad as a teenager, and I have studied and worked in Germany, Greece, England, Ireland, and India.

I was a high school history teacher for six years, and loved bringing the stories of the past to life for my students, sometimes in the places where they happened. For the past two decades, I have been an Episcopal priest, and have led numerous pilgrimages for parishioners and friends to holy places in the U.S., Europe and Asia. I am also a journalist, editor of The Living Church. My writing focuses mostly on international religious news, and I have worked with diverse groups of adults and students in a variety of community organizations (scouting, service clubs, choirs).

Religious history is a special passion for me, because my own faith has been deepened through spending time in sacred places. I have visited more than forty countries, and am always excited to explore new destinations. Some places I have especially loved are the English countryside, Tidewater Virginia, Sicily, Istanbul, Montenegro, and Ethiopia. 

Testimonials

"I experienced a life changing pilgrimage to England led by Father Mark. His love of history was evident and he possessed an extensive knowledge that captivated the entire tour group. He created many memorable moments and his attention to detail was extraordinary. I would highly recommend traveling anywhere in the world with him." Kathleen Herrmann

"Mark is organized, prompt, a great communicator before the trip. All of our arrangements related to lodging were smooth and the properties were great. The sites that were included in our trip were superior. The context that Mark provided related to each site was both informative and historically significant. We enjoyed the trip so much that we are taking a trip with Mark in the summer of 2025." George and Dort Casey

"If you’ve read Fr. Michael’s reporting for The Living Church, you know he is charitable, nuanced, inquisitive, and ecumenically minded. As both a priest and journalist, he brings these qualities to his work leading trips that explore Christian history, art, and architecture—and their meaning for the Church today. A humble teacher and sincere Christian, he is an ideal companion for such pilgrimages." The Rev. John Mason Lock