Deacon Ambrose Preston was ordained at St. John of the Ladder in 2024, where he serves in the altar and among the people—assisting the priests in worship, proclaiming the Gospel, and the spiritual and practical life of the parish.

Originally from the Ozarks, Dn. Ambrose was transplanted to South Carolina in 2009. Before entering the Orthodox Church, he served as a Baptist pastor, having earned his Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Professionally, he has worked in corporate finance and accounting.

He and his wife, Mat. Jillian, are blessed with five children, all of whom actively serve in the parish. In their spare time, the Preston family enjoys home improvement projects and hosting outdoor celebrations at their home for the parish community.