Deacon Peter Markevich grew up in a church-going family, but like a lot of young people, he lost interest in Church while in college, but by the mercy of God did not lose his faith altogether.  Before his junior year, Markevich attended a youth pilgrimage to the Holy Land, sponsored by the Fund for Assistance. This trip sparked his desire to attend seminary. Possessed with a new commitment to Christ and His Church, he matriculated at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, in the fall of 2009.

In his second year Markevich married and a year later, had a child. Although seminary tuition is relatively low compared with other universities, it was nearly impossible to pay tuition on top of supporting a family.  Markevich was one of many seminarians, who were unable to pay for their education.  Considering that Holy Trinity seminary is located in a very small town with few employment opportunities, and the monastery’s rigorous schedule, it is extremely difficult to work your way through seminary. Eager to support our Church’s future clergy, the Fund for Assistance provided a scholarship to struggling seminarians.

“This support allowed me to graduate with a manageable debt of under $1000, which I will be able to pay off slowly as I transition to full-time work in the bookstore,” wrote Markevich.

In May 2013, Markevich became a deacon. He continues to serve at Holy Trinity Monastery, work in the monastery bookstore and will begin teaching Practical Liturgics at the seminary come fall. “Vested in the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:11), with which the Holy Trinity Seminary has provided me, I hope to continue to serve the Church for my whole life,” he wrote to FFA.

Please support our future clergy with a donation – students at the Holy Trinity Seminary. Your money will provide assistance to men who will serve the Church, us and our children.