|
Adopt a Seminarian St. Innocent of Alaska Missionary Prayer Society Spiritual Travel |
|
ADOPT A SEMINARIAN > Seminarians & Their Sponsors
Married: Marlene (Mary Magdalene) Home Parish: St. Seraphim Russian Orthodox Church, Dillingham, AK Gregory is from Lame Deer, Montana. He and Mary Magdalene met while attending the Native American College in Montana. She is Yupik from New Stuyahok, AK. He was raised Roman Catholic, but always drawn to the Orthodox faith by his relations with the Yupik in Montana. After graduation in 1998, Gregory moved to Alaska. He began work with the local Housing Authority in Dillingham .His work was in Social Services. Gregory feared he would eventually wind up in Social Service burnout. Many things were connecting him to Orthodoxy, but he had not converted. Reverend Father Jonah Andrew spent time with him. He converted to Orthodoxy on January 6, 1999 at St. Seraphim Russian Orthodox Church in Dillingham, AK. His father died in November 2002 and said to him, "Do not go to seminary. Your family is too important." This was his advice to his son because of the difficulties of the seminary life and the priesthood. Gregory felt called to St. Herman Theological Seminary "by the Yupik world of the Orthodox Church". Not adhering to his father's advice, Gregory enrolled in St. Herman Theological Seminary for his first year of classes in 2005. The boys have had many struggles. This family left a good sized parish - home and family - from Montana and Alaska. This has been difficult for all. Gregory keeps motivated by the responsibilities at the seminary as a student. But, the family does not have this. He loves the Patristic classes. Mary Magdalene works at the Subway. They receive funds from the parish in Dillingham. Other benefits are from food stamps and Medicaid. He is currently challenged to find a subject for his liturgical theology paper. One of the biggest challenges for him being in Kodiak - the rain. During my time with Gregory, I was touched by his concern for his sons and the struggles they have had being at seminary - with the other children. There seems to be some non acceptance by these youth of the Native Cheyenne heritance. This will work itself out - but understandably, it hurts Gregory to see this for his sons. He is a very concerned and dedicated individual and truly loves the Yupik - and the Orthodox faith they have brought to his life. God willing - Gregory Parker will graduate from St. Herman Theological Seminary with the class of 2009.
2421 Perry St. • Texas, 78577 |
Gregory Parker