Dn. Herman Combs

Deacon Herman Combs is a second-year seminarian at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on February 2, 2026, on the Feast of the Meeting of Our Lord.

He and his wife, Margaret, have five children: Selah (18), Nicholas (16), Macrina (11), Cassian (9), and Vera (6). The Combs family came to St. Tikhon’s from Holy Theophany Orthodox Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado (OCA Diocese of the West). They were received into the Orthodox Church on Forgiveness Sunday weekend in March 2013.

Discussing his path to seminary, Deacon Herman says that before entering the Orthodox Church, he served in ministry for more than fifteen years in a non-denominational setting, including four years as a head pastor. Because of those experiences, he vowed he would never return to ministry in that way again. Yet, as he puts it, "never say never" with God. After ten years of wrestling with the call, together with the counsel of his wife and parish priest and much prayer, he finally surrendered to God's calling and entered seminary at the age of forty-six.

Before coming to St. Tikhon's, Deacon Herman spent twenty-three years in the mortgage industry, building an established career while enjoying life in Colorado with his family. Rooted in a strong parish community, they enjoyed hiking, skiing, traveling, and camping together. Choosing to attend seminary meant giving up much in order to follow Christ and, God willing, serve His Church in a greater pastoral capacity.

When asked about his experience at St. Tikhon's, Deacon Herman says seminary has been one of the most challenging seasons of his life. As an older student who had not been in school for twenty-four years, and having never officially served in the altar or sung in the church choir, the adjustment has been very real. Yet God, in His grace and mercy, continues to show him that His strength is made perfect in weakness.