Deacon Ignatius Strange was ordained by His Eminence Metropolitan Tikhon of All American and Canada to the order of the Holy Priesthood on December 26, 2021 — Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos. Father Ignatius is a third-year student here at the seminary and is planning his return to the Diocese of the West this summer to serve as a parish priest. In addition to his course work and responsibilities serving at the monastery church, Fr. Ignatius is one of the most active students on campus, most notably assisting with numerous web and photo media projects. Family present at his ordination were his wife, Matushka Senia, their four children Ioann, Elena, Silouan and little Marie, and Fr. Ignatius’s parents Douglas and Frances. St. Tikhon’s looks forward to hearing about all the wonderful things in the Fr. Ignatius’ ministry in the years to come! Axios! 

Along with the ordination of Fr. Ignatius Strange, Garret (Paul) Hamner was ordained on the same day to the Holy Diaconate, also by Metropolitan Tikhon. Deacon Paul is a third-year seminarian also coming from the Diocese of the West. Deacon Paul is a notable student on campus and an important peer resource for his classmates. Since arriving at St. Tikhon’s two and half years ago, he and his wife, Matushka Sarah, have frequently showed their gracious hospitality to anyone they meet. Also present were Deacon Paul and Matushka’s four children, Rowan, Molly, Sam and baby Agnes. Many years, Fr. Paul! Axios!

By Deacon Thanasis Kombos, STOTS Class of 2022