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Description
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Peter Kountz, whose journey from academia to priesthood, include research and a book about Thomas Merton, "Thomas Merton As Writer and Monk: A Cultural Study, 1915-1951", teaching positions at The University of Chicago and The University of Rochester, and leadership positions at various schools in Brooklyn NY, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia PA. Peter Kountz was ordained an episcopal priest in 2015 and is Vicar of historic Saint Stephen’s Church in Center City, Philadelphia.
David and Peter will discuss our guest's path, the experiences and the people that shaped his life, a life spent caring for souls.
Peter Kountz has worked in school leadership, university teaching, and administration since 1969. He served for ten years as Head of School and CEO of the Charter High School for Architecture + Design in Center City, Philadelphia, and previously was President and CEO of independent schools in Pittsburgh and Brooklyn. His academic career includes service at the University of Chicago and the University of Rochester.
His varied professional life has included work as a college baseball coach, director of a university radio station, and the first Curator of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House. He is also a musician, writer, arts consultant, and coach to professional musicians.
Peter earned his B.A. from Saint Meinrad College Seminary and his M.A. and Ph.D. in the History of Culture from the University of Chicago. Ordained a priest in the Diocese of Pennsylvania in 2015, he is Vicar of Saint Stephen’s Church, the historic 1823 parish on 10th Street in Center City, Philadelphia.
In 2025, FRIEDAcommunity kicked off a series of conversations about spirituality anchored around group reading of books written by Thomas Moore, Thich Nhat Han, Parker J. Palmer, and discussions with author and spiritual leaders including Augustinian Friar Paul Morrisey, and more recently Rabbi Nathan Kamesar. The intent of this series is to explore spirituality in light of diverse faiths, traditions, and practices.
Menu
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Faroe Island roasted salmon with root vegetables salad & side of green goddess
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Tiramisu
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*A GF vegan option of tagine with rice is available, please inquire at time of reservation.
(This is a BYOB event).
Timeline:
Meet & Greet: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Talk: 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
Dinner: served at 7:00pm
*Cancellation policy: We are unable to issue refunds. In the interest of building community, we ask that you donate your ticket to another person should you need to cancel. If you are not able to find someone to attend in your stead, let us know and we will donate your ticket on your behalf. Thank you for sharing FRIEDAcommunity’s mission and values.
Prices include 20% gratuity.
By reservation only.
Please sign up at least 2 days prior to the event.
Date & Time
Tue, Feb 17, 2026 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue Details
FRIEDA
320 Walnut StreetPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
