In the Footsteps of St. Herman

Gene Autry’s lyrics both date me and locate me, but I am back in the saddle again. I’ve had a wonderful respite for body, soul and mind during the months of my sabbatical. I have walked in the footsteps of saints and martyrs. I’ve traversed the breadth of Russia and much of Alaska. And I have left the ministry of the parish in capable hands in my absence.

For me, I suppose the most important thing I’ve learned is how much can get done without me. It is humbling, but more importantly it is freeing, both to me and to the church. I’ve often said that work in the parish, which does not require a collar around one’s neck, are not the priest’s to do. In fact, the priest finds himself doing much which is not necessarily his to do; but he does it anyway. And, the laity can be content with his doing it, too.

But, a Consecration was organized, a spectacular VBS was held, the liturgy was celebrated, the sacraments admin-istered, the sick were visited, new catechumens were enrolled,others were received, newcomers were reached out to. Parish life cont-inued to blossom and bear fruit.

Now, I will reassume those roles which are properly mine but attempt to avoid those which I perhaps lapsed into in the past. It is my hope to continue to equip saints for the work of ministry, but to let the saints do that work of ministry themselves. They have done so in my absence and I have every hope that they will continue in the future.

Back home, it might be said that I am moving from shepherding to ranching. A shepherd spends most of his time with his flock, providing direct “pastoral” care, in the pasture, no less. But his flock is, by definition, a rather small one. A rancher oversees a larger spread. He can’t ride to each lamb and provide direct care as he once did. His job is still to get the care to the flock, but his perspective is broader. Con-sequently, he delegates the labor and brings fellow-laborers to assist in his operation.

This summer offered us all a taste of that ranching experience.  It is one I am eager to embrace and it is one which the parish/ranch has already.

“I’m back in the saddle again,
Out where a friend is a friend…
Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin’ to and fro
Back in the saddle again.”

First, I’d like to thank some of the people who have worked behind the scenes to enable this sabbatical project to get off the ground and keep me going once it did. In that regard, I can’t thank Deacon Alex Cadman enough! He organized the grant application process, and once the grant was made, he kept everything in order. He’s been there — provided the phones were working — with a remedy to every problem encountered. It’s saved me much grief.

I’d also like to thank Matushka Dea Biberdorf, who helped edit the original proposal; Fr. Basil Biberdorf, for providing pastoral and sacramental care to our parish in my absence; Bob Roberts, our parish warden, for being willing to head the Parish Council during my absence; and my entire parish, for their love, encouragement and support. And needless to say, every parish needs a good parish secretary. Holy Trinity is blessed to be served by Judy Fryncko in that capacity. Her ministry, and her patience with me – before and during this Sabbatical — has been indispensible to the good running of our parish.

A final "unexpected joy!" -- While returning home this past Thursday, Fr. John was able to venerate the Kursk-Root icon in Columbus, Ohio, a seal on his journey and pilgrimage. The Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign dates from the 13th century, and is one of the most ancient icons of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Second, I want to give special thanks to Deacon Mark Oleynik, who made sure that the Sunday School students were deeply involved in this journey on a weekly basis, which effectively involved the whole parish. His diligence helped prepare our children for a wonderful Vacation Bible School — St. Herman: Man with a Mission — in August.”

Third, hats off to John, my personal fitness trainer (aha! the things you didn’t know about me) and all the gang at One-on-One Fitness, especially Bruce, Kim, and Mandi. Once the grant came through, I was perplexed about how I could do it health-wise. I decided to take control and these guys have worked marvelously with me to attain my fitness goals, making this sabbatical possible.

Finally, I would like to thank my family: Matushka, and the “boys” Nick and Chris, for being able to share some of this great privilege personally and to see some of these beautiful places with me; and Elisabeth and Pat, for their love, encouragement and prayers throughout the years of my ministry.

I would hope that anyone who has been involved by reading the Blog, praying for me, learning more about this wonderful world which God has created and in which men and women have answered his call, might have been touched in a positive way.

We left on this big adventure by train from Lewistown Junction, PA.