Zachariah Nikl was born on Sunday, August 11, 1996, at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s County, MD. He was raised in a Catholic and Methodist household and attended Newton Methodist Church in Clarks Summit, PA. Zachariah comes from a military family, with both of his parents having completed twenty years of military service. He is currently a catechumen at St. Michael’s Church in Old Forge, PA, where he was received into the catechumenate on January 18, 2026, by Priest Michael Shepherd and is preparing for Holy Baptism.

Zachariah served for ten years in the United States Marine Corps, developing extensive experience in intelligence analysis, security management, leadership, and the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information to commanders and staff. During his military career, he graduated from the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Intelligence School in July 2015 and completed several levels of Marine Corps leadership development, including early leadership training in 2016 and supervisory and managerial leadership programs in 2018 and 2020. He also completed a Security Management Course in 2022. His professional responsibilities included the implementation of security policies and procedures, the administration of security clearances, and security management both in garrison and during deployments.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, following a referral by Priest Michael Shepherd, His Eminence Archbishop Mark appointed Zachariah to serve as Administrative Assistant to His Eminence.

In his diocesan role, Zachariah brings the organizational, analytical, and leadership experience developed during his decade of military service to the administration of the Diocese of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. As he continues his preparation for reception into the Orthodox Church, he also remains actively involved in the life of his parish and in service to His Eminence and the Diocese.