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Methodius Nicori Birthdate: 1-20-71 Spouse: Elizabeth (Elsie) Methodius graduated from Kwethluk High School in 1989. He traveled on seasonal jobs mostly hunting and describes himself as a type of nomad. Before becoming Orthodox, he was a 3rd generation Moravian pastor. His father is a retired Moravian pastor and his grandfather was a pastor for 33 years. From the time he was a young man, he always knew he was called to the ministry. Friends laughed and criticized him. He and Elizabeth met right after he completed High School. She was a foster child of his cousin. They talked but nothing happened until later. He attended Moravian Seminary in 1994 and 1995. He started seeing Elizabeth in 1997. He always asked the women he dated if he became a pastor, would they help him. Until Elizabeth, they would always say "No". She was the one who said "Yes". He prayed about this and felt she must be the one. After they married, he returned to the seminary as a married man. After completing Moravian Seminary, he began his ministry by teaching Catechism to children using the Moravian History books. He began to research and once he began to study Orthodoxy, he found the truth. He talked with his wife and told her he must go to Orthodoxy and would not change his mind. As he continually shared bits of the faith with her, she realized she must follow him. Methodius felt that as a Moravian pastor, he was an "entertainer". It was all about how well he could entertain at the pulpit and this was not worship. Even though there has been difficulty, Elizabeth has stayed by him and they feel more at home in Orthodoxy. He was Chrismated one year ago - Great and Holy Saturday - with the name "Methodius". This was chosen because St. Methodius was an Orthodox missionary to Moravia. His father stopped calling him "Son" and cried for 3 days. He also told Methodius to not attend his funeral when he dies. Elizabeth researched her family and found that there was Orthodoxy years ago. Her Great Aunt and Grandfather were both Orthodox. Their new son is the first born to the family in generations. They named him Juvenaly after St. Juvenaly who was martyred in his Elizabeth's village.
2421 Perry St. • Wichita, KS
67204 |
The first year at St. Herman Theological Seminary has been very interesting for Methodius and his family. Previously graduating from the Moravian Seminary in Bethel, AK, they say there is no comparison to what he is getting now. He has learned a lot but feels his brain is overwhelmed. The call to be a minister in the church was always a part of his life - and it will be for Orthodoxy. His studies this year have been very tough. Most of the classes were good for him but he did receive one "F". This year feels more like a boot camp/monastery. There is much learning from peers who are also growing and struggling. Elizabeth is happy in Kodiak. Orthodox are open and everyone is like one big family. His mother did send some clothing. She has been very sweet and loves unconditionally. They are now on food stamps and have no other source of income. He says that the sponsor fees will help a lot because there is no financial support there - Especially now, with a new baby.