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Seminarians & Their Sponsors
Married: Anastasia Deacon John graduated from Bethel Regional High School in 1977. His early school years were in Napaskiak until the 8th grade. He attended St. Herman Theological Seminary in 1978, 79, and 80. He met Anastasia while at seminary and they married there. She was a first year student at the time. In 1980, after finishing his studies at SHS - at that time a 3 year program - John and Anastasia moved to the Yukon where he worked in various jobs including working for the School District and as an Environmental Specialist. On January 10, 1997, John was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by then His Grace, Bishop INNOCENT, of blessed memory. He was attached to his home parish in Russian Mission, the Elevation of the Holy Cross Orthodox Church. There he provided maintenance work for the church, participated on the Parish Council, and worked with the Church School program. Anastasia works raising the children and has also worked as a secretary for the school. In addition to the children listed above who are still in the home, Deacon John and Anastasia have 3 others who are on their own: Deacon John had been thinking about returning to seminary for a while to finish his clergy education. Bishop NIKOLAI encouraged him to return for 1 year and that is what was needed for him to make the decision. It has been very slow for him to get back into the studying routine. He feels things picking up and knows it will all kick in. The family arrived in Kodiak about the end of September. They are taking things one day at a time since it is difficult coming from a small village life to the big city in Kodiak. He is pleased that all of his family, except the older children, is with him now. When Deacon John was young, his father died. His Grandfather and uncle pitched in and raised him. Deacon John recalls when he was 20 years old and helped build the church in Napaskiak with his Grandfather. He had other jobs but liked to help his Grandfather with this project for the church. When the seminary opened, his Grandfather paid for him to attend as a young man. When he first went to seminary in 1978, he did not have $1.00 in his pocket. Deacon John is most grateful for being able to receive financial help from his sponsor. This will be of great assistance to his family while he prepares to better serve the Alaska Diocese.
2421 Perry St. • Wichita, KS
67204 |
Deacon John Larson