On December 3, 2016, Andrew Nelko, senior seminarian at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.  His Eminence, the Most Reverend Melchisedek, Archbishop of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania, was the celebrant. Joining him were: Archimandrite Sergius (Bowyer) St. Tikhon’s Monastery Abbot, Archpriest Andrew Nelko, Andrew’s father, Archpriest David Shewczyk, Assistant Director of Field Education at the seminary, Fr. Ignatius Gauvain, Director of Student Life, Fr. Innocent Neal, St. Tikhon’s Bookstore Manager, Fr. Theodore Gregory, STOTS Class of 2015, and Fr. Matthew Joyner, Andrew’s classmate.  Celebrating Deacons included, Hierodeacon Herman (Majkrzak), St. Tikhon’s Monastery, and more of Andrew’s classmates:  Deacons John Kennerk and Basil Ferguson.

Matushka Kaila Nelko has been working at St. Tikhon’s Bookstore while her husband has been continuing his studies.  Dn. Andrew will likely be assigned in the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania upon graduation from seminary.  May God grant many years to Dn. Andrew and Mat. Kaila Nelko as they prepare for a new chapter of their vocational journey!

Photography:  Andrew Bohush, and Mat. Jessica Fuhrman who has assisted with photography during several ordinations!@