Seminarian Paul Batz

Paul Batz was born in Guelph, Ontario, but has lived in Edmonton, Alberta, for more than twenty years. He graduated from The King’s University with a major in English and a minor in Theology. Before coming to seminary, he worked for more than seven years as a mailman with Canada Post. He is a member of St. Herman Orthodox Sobor in Edmonton, part of the Archdiocese of Canada (OCA).

Paul says music has always been a significant part of his life. He sings bass in both the Axios Men’s Ensemble and Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir and regularly sang in his home parish choir. When he learned he would be attending St. Tikhon’s, he began transitioning from singing in the choir to serving more regularly with his priest in the altar. Although that transition was sometimes difficult because it meant singing less frequently, he says the Mission Choir continues to give him opportunities to use his musical gifts.

Outside of seminary, Paul enjoys composing music on the grand piano he inherited from his late grandfather. He says his grandfather always encouraged his musical interests, which ultimately contributed to his involvement in the Mission Choir.

When asked what he loves about St. Tikhon's, Paul says: