Back from Pennsylvania

My trip to St. Tikhon's was certainly more cold than I expected. The weather was around 6 degrees most of the day, which was unexpectedly cold for natives and this visitor alike. I was able to stay with a very nice family from the Antiochian archdiocese who has two lovely children and lives rather close to the seminary. As fellow Southerners, we got along famously.

The ordination to the priesthood was the first I had ever seen in person. I had seen ordinations to the diaconate, but there was a level of emotion and solemnity at this event that was quite moving. Afterward I got to speak with Fr. John Breck for a bit after his lectures for the seminary's annual marriage retreat. He spoke on bioethics and the family and I'm told it was quite engaging. Shortly before I left I spent entirely too much money in the bookstore.

My family's visit while I was away to the Nativity of our Lord Monastery east of Dallas was also a success. The children enjoyed their time with Sister Barbara, with the other children in attendance, and having the run of the property. They asked when they could return and I hope to oblige them as soon as time permits.

I will return to blogging shortly after aggregating and sifting through news stories and emails (thanks to all that sent me stories for posting).