Zac Hanson from “MMMBop” fame ordained an Orthodox deacon

The drummer, who was part of the popular band Hanson, was inspired by his aunt, an abbess at a Maryland monastery.

You might be familiar with the 1997 hit “MMMBop” by Hanson, the popular band featuring three brothers with great hair — Isaac, Taylor, and Zac. The multi-platinum selling band went on to have further hits that made them a household name at the time.

Interestingly, Zac’s greatest success was still to come. The now-father of five was recently ordained in the Orthodox Church as a deacon, according to the Georgian Orthodox Diocese of North America.

Hanson’s interest in the Orthodox Church was inspired by his aunt, an abbess of St. Nina Georgian Orthodox Monastery in Union Bridge, Maryland. Along with his brother Isaac, Zac became a member of the Orthodox faith over 10 years ago.

Taking the name Father (Deacon) Mercurios, the former pop star was ordained by the bishop of North America, Archpriest Saba, on February 5. His aunt, Abbess Aemiliane, was there to witness her nephew’s ordination. Father Mercurios will now serve at the Holy Monastery of Saint James (Iakavos) in Oklahoma.

On Facebook, the Georgian Diocese posted: “On behalf of our Holy Diocese, we congratulate Father Mercurios on his ordination as a Deacon and wish him spiritual courage and physical strength to fulfill this high service! Worthy! Άξιος!”

Hopefully Father Mercurios’ experience can demonstrate to us that even if we lead a successful life, we should be open to a calling that can take us on a very different road and prove even more rewarding.