CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – As the Support our Seminarians Month initiative continues throughout the Diocese during this month of September, the Seminarians at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary wish to express their gratitude for the love, support and prayer shown them by the faithful. The fall term has begun, and the students and their families have been working hard to get settled domestically, academically, and spiritually.
During this time, in reflecting on his path to Seminary, Michael Katalenich, of St. John of Kronstadt Church, Lincoln, NE, says,
“The support that I get from the diocese is what has allowed me to attend St. Tikhon’s. Without that support I wouldn’t be studying for the priesthood. I am honored to stand in the services each day and remember the many people that have given the fruits of their labors so that we can be formed, God willing, into the priests who will serve those same people.”
Christopher Mescher, of St. Gregory of Nyssa Church, Columbus, OH, highlights the importance of this good work as well,
“Without the support of the Diocese, it would not be possible for most of us to attend St. Tikhon’s. Even for the unmarried students living in the seminary dormitory, attending St. Tikhon’s comes with many expenses, both financial and otherwise. While I speak for myself, I know this goes for the other seminarians as well; I would not be able to be here at St. Tikhon’s without the support of the Diocese.”
Married students feel the financial strain of the Seminary experience in a particular way. Deacon Eugene Schreder, from Holy Myrrhbearers Church, St. Cloud, MN, states,
“The demands of seminary upon the whole family often require that we forgo a steady income from a secular job, which means that many seminarians, my family and I included, are supported solely upon the generosity of God’s faithful servants. Know that our gratitude is offered up to God in our daily prayers for you all, and may the same God who hears these prayers grant unto you all peace, health, and all petitions that are unto salvation.”
Justin Brannon, of Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church, Madison, IL, echoes this sentiment,
“It is not easy to move a family for a career opportunity in another state that promises greater stability and income. Those of us who come to seminary make the opposite choice—we leave stability behind, bringing our families with us into uncertainty, trusting in God’s providence. Now we are dependent on your generosity, the generosity of strangers, and those unexpected but providential gifts that arrive just when we need them. I am deeply thankful that you have chosen to support us, the Brannon Family, with your prayers and your charity.”
Deacon Paul Schlafer, of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Mentor, OH, summarizes the feelings of all Diocesan Seminarians, saying,
“It is thanks to you, through your prayers and generous support, that we are able to answer the Lord’s call here at seminary. It is thanks to you, that we prepare to serve the Diocese, wherever God leads. For that, I thank you, on behalf of my family and from the bottom of my heart. May God you every good thing”
The seminarians and their families expressed their love and gratitude to those who are participating in the annual “Support Our Seminarians” month. This effort raises funds that go directly to the seminarians and their families. Individuals are encouraged to donate through their parishes, by mailing a check to the diocese, or online.
