It’s been a over week since our mission trip ended and the thoughts and feelings from our short time in the land of the first American saints remain fresh and crisp. It was just eight days ago that we were in the park just below the Cathedral enjoying the warmth and love of the Kodiak community led by the enthusiastic members of the St. Innocent Academy.
As I reflect on the week that was, it is evident that it was indeed a special time for all of us. When it was suggested last September that we (the parents) think BIG, I really didn’t imagine that meant going to our largest state over 3,500 miles away … but it did and I am thankful that I was able to be part of this group. (A secret … because we had many girls who expressed a desire to be a part to the group, Kelly first committed to being a part of the team so that we would have a least one chaperone for the girls ... I figured I would stay home and watch the kids.) Although I can recall many fond moments there are some that stand out for me.
First, there was a terrific fellowship within our group. This was also true of each person we met in Alaska beginning with Archimandrite Juvenaly who escorted Kelly and me upon our arrival at the airport in Kodiak. During our ride back to the seminary, we remembered that we had met Fr. Juvenaly eleven years earlier on a visit to St. Tikhon’s seminary when he was at the monastery there (and of course, we later learned that Fr. Gregory went to seminary with him :).
After that we met the seminary dean, Fr. John Dunlop (and his entire family), who was so very gracious to our whole group, Fr. Innocent Dresdow (Dean of Holy Resurrection Cathedral) who comforted us with his down to earth style (he really loves being in Kodiak and being a part of the fabric of the community), Fr. Deacon Ishmael Andrew in whom we found a true friend (with a good sense of humor), and Seraphima Carl who coordinated many of our activities, rooms, and arrangements. Each conversation with them was enlightening and informative as they shared tidbits about the history of the area, the churches, the villages and peoples of the region (if I ever am able to return to Alaska, I really want to visit the villages). The insight they provided was invaluable and worth every minute I was able to share be with them.
As I reflect on the week that was, it is evident that it was indeed a special time for all of us. When it was suggested last September that we (the parents) think BIG, I really didn’t imagine that meant going to our largest state over 3,500 miles away … but it did and I am thankful that I was able to be part of this group. (A secret … because we had many girls who expressed a desire to be a part to the group, Kelly first committed to being a part of the team so that we would have a least one chaperone for the girls ... I figured I would stay home and watch the kids.) Although I can recall many fond moments there are some that stand out for me.
First, there was a terrific fellowship within our group. This was also true of each person we met in Alaska beginning with Archimandrite Juvenaly who escorted Kelly and me upon our arrival at the airport in Kodiak. During our ride back to the seminary, we remembered that we had met Fr. Juvenaly eleven years earlier on a visit to St. Tikhon’s seminary when he was at the monastery there (and of course, we later learned that Fr. Gregory went to seminary with him :).
After that we met the seminary dean, Fr. John Dunlop (and his entire family), who was so very gracious to our whole group, Fr. Innocent Dresdow (Dean of Holy Resurrection Cathedral) who comforted us with his down to earth style (he really loves being in Kodiak and being a part of the fabric of the community), Fr. Deacon Ishmael Andrew in whom we found a true friend (with a good sense of humor), and Seraphima Carl who coordinated many of our activities, rooms, and arrangements. Each conversation with them was enlightening and informative as they shared tidbits about the history of the area, the churches, the villages and peoples of the region (if I ever am able to return to Alaska, I really want to visit the villages). The insight they provided was invaluable and worth every minute I was able to share be with them.
All the people of Kodiak were simply wonderful – warm, humble, humorous, sensible, respectful, knowledgeable, and just plain nice to be around. We found the essence of all these things in their hearts and souls and words. I miss them.
One of the things that surprised me most was how close the seminary and the cathedral are to each other (about 2 minute walk) … pictures may be able to provide a thousand words but it’s hard to put distance into perspective from a picture. Throughout the week we walked between the two places either to work or to attend services. (It reminded me of when I was growing up and lived right next to our church … my brothers and sister and I had little excuse for being late to the services ... neither did our group.)
It has been a few years since I was on “teen” trip and although there were a few times that had me starting to think, “how will I explain this to their parents” there were really no problems encountered. They were captivating in their conversations at our meals, walking around, working, and on the plane. They could talk about anything and everything … on and on and on and on … it was great enjoyment to listen in. Thanks, teens (and parents for encouraging thier efforts).
The most precious and memorable moments, however, were when we gathered together in worship and prayer – be it in the seminary chapel for our morning prayers or at the end of the day for Vespers or at the Cathedral for the various other services. It was especially awe-inspiring to celebrate Divine Liturgy’s on Spruce Island (Saturday) over the place where St. Herman was originally buried and then in Holy Resurrection Cathedral (Sunday) where many of the saints of the church did likewise throughout the years. It is in the Cathedral where St. Herman’s reliquary is located and at the conclusion of the Akathist to St. Herman on Friday evening, the top of the reliquary was opened and I was permitted to hold the top of it open as each of the clergy and pilgrims venerated the relics of St. Herman. It was very humbling and moving experience.
As I look back on how we went from a simple suggestion last September to do something that could change the lives of the teens, I know it was only possible through the grace of God. My sincere prayer is that the teens (and all the participants) will share their thoughts and experiences with their peers and friends now and throughout their lives. I especially pray that this trip will NOT be a one-time pursuit (e.g., been there, done that) but rather the first seed planted that will give all of us confidence and encouragement to be a missionary for the remainder of our lives.
One of the things that surprised me most was how close the seminary and the cathedral are to each other (about 2 minute walk) … pictures may be able to provide a thousand words but it’s hard to put distance into perspective from a picture. Throughout the week we walked between the two places either to work or to attend services. (It reminded me of when I was growing up and lived right next to our church … my brothers and sister and I had little excuse for being late to the services ... neither did our group.)
It has been a few years since I was on “teen” trip and although there were a few times that had me starting to think, “how will I explain this to their parents” there were really no problems encountered. They were captivating in their conversations at our meals, walking around, working, and on the plane. They could talk about anything and everything … on and on and on and on … it was great enjoyment to listen in. Thanks, teens (and parents for encouraging thier efforts).
The most precious and memorable moments, however, were when we gathered together in worship and prayer – be it in the seminary chapel for our morning prayers or at the end of the day for Vespers or at the Cathedral for the various other services. It was especially awe-inspiring to celebrate Divine Liturgy’s on Spruce Island (Saturday) over the place where St. Herman was originally buried and then in Holy Resurrection Cathedral (Sunday) where many of the saints of the church did likewise throughout the years. It is in the Cathedral where St. Herman’s reliquary is located and at the conclusion of the Akathist to St. Herman on Friday evening, the top of the reliquary was opened and I was permitted to hold the top of it open as each of the clergy and pilgrims venerated the relics of St. Herman. It was very humbling and moving experience.
As I look back on how we went from a simple suggestion last September to do something that could change the lives of the teens, I know it was only possible through the grace of God. My sincere prayer is that the teens (and all the participants) will share their thoughts and experiences with their peers and friends now and throughout their lives. I especially pray that this trip will NOT be a one-time pursuit (e.g., been there, done that) but rather the first seed planted that will give all of us confidence and encouragement to be a missionary for the remainder of our lives.
Finally, thanks to all who supported our team and prayed for our safe journey.
With love in Christ,
Deacon Mark
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