Priesthood and Our Future Assignment

As many of you may already know by now, I was ordained to the priesthood just a couple weeks ago. I did not share many details at the time, but not only is this an opportunity to share more about that, but also, to share a little about what we know of the parish to which our bishop intends to send us after graduation.

Even though the exact date of my ordination was not clear until only a few days before it happened, I was delighted that both my father and my mother were able to travel here to see it, even on short notice. And since the ordination was the day after Christmas, we had the added benefit of the children having two of their grandparents here on Christmas day.

Another detail that never crossed my mind is that many of the services here are now live-streamed, because of the same changes that so many organizations put in place during COVID quarantining the past year or so. Meaning, my ordination was going to be live-streamed. Not only did Mom mention it as a way to share with family, but the current priest in the parish to which we will soon be going also mentioned it to share with parishioners there.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many people mentioned watching some of the service. I heard reference to some family and friends that dropped in, some seminarians that were away for the break, some folks from our old parish, and several for whom I will be their priest in just a few short months. I am thankful that so many joined us for the day, even those who did so from a distance.

As for our future parish, we were told a few months ago, and then had a chance to visit and meet the folks in person. So, it is no secret, but I think it is time to share a little more openly. Our bishop intends to send us to Bend, Oregon.

This is the only Orthodox parish I know of in Oregon that is east of the I-5 corridor. It is a relatively small mission parish, maybe 50 people on a Sunday, and in a very good position to grow. Senia and I really appreciated the people we met, and are looking forward to getting to know them more, and to living life, with all its struggles, alongside them.

We plan on moving in June, after graduation. And just as an open offer, Bend is a four-season tourist destination, and there would be plenty to do anytime you would like to come and visit. Come and see us. We would love to see you.