Hanson brother ordained to diaconate in Orthodox Christian church

Amid the push by some musicians to reject normalcy and embrace all things "unholy," Zac Hanson has bucked the trend. The well-known percussionist in the multiplatinum-selling band Hanson is now a man of the cloth.

Zac Hanson, who celebrated the birth of his fifth child with his wife, Kate, in 2021, was ordained by Bishop Saba (formerly Lasha Intskirveli) on Feb. 5 to the diaconate of the Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church in North America, an Eastern Orthodox church with its own head clergyman.

The ordination reportedly took place during the divine liturgy at St. Nina's monastery in Union Bridge, Maryland.

OrthodoxChristianity.com reported that Hanson, now Deacon Mercurios, was appointed to serve at the new St. James the Apostle monastery in Piedmont, Oklahoma, which was formerly a Catholic Carmelite monastery.

A deacon in the Orthodox Church ministers to priests and bishops, and aids in the celebration of the mysteries of the church; in leading the faithful in collective prayers; reading from Scripture during religious services; and in the performance of various other tasks as required by the church, its parishioners, and its leadership.

Zac Hanson and his brother Taylor were two of the youngest Grammy nominees ever around the time their 1997 single "MMMBop" reached number one in the United States and in at least 11 other countries. Together with brother Isaac, the band sold over 16 million records and produced 10 studio albums.

The Hanson brothers, the three oldest of seven siblings, were homeschooled and raised as evangelical Christians. Despite their upbringing, the brothers were not overt about their faith while touring the world, notwithstanding their charity work.

A young Zac told Christianity Today in late 2006, "I do consider myself a Christian. ... As far as all the details of beliefs and faith, I never really talked about that, though people have asked us. I think, unfortunately, it can be a barrier to people."

He added that explicit references to religious beliefs were not necessary: "Who you are and what you believe clearly speaks through your music, because you say the things that [reflect] who you are, rather than talking outwardly about those things."

The liner notes for the Hansons' Gospel-influenced album "The Walk" said, "Most of all we would like to thank our Creator. Thank you for the way You challenge us to walk down roads less traveled, and open our eyes further at every turn. Music is a gift, and we are honored to receive it."

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