"Encountering Orthodox Christian friends in college fostered the opportunity for beautiful discussions about the Church and her history, motivating me to further investigate my protestant beliefs which I had held at the time. After reading of history books and lives of the saints along with many questions directed at patient clergy, Glory be to God, I cultivated a love for the Church and her Traditions. Thus, I was baptized into the Orthodox Church, with Three Pillars of Orthodoxy in Carlisle, Pennsylvania becoming my home.

Growing up, I spent time exploring the mountains that nestle my tourist hometown of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, re-carving old Native American and mining trails with friends, wrestling the rapids of the nearby Lehigh River, and playing a variety of sports, while simply trying to learn and read about everything. Currently I am student at Juniata College, where I undertake Spanish and Hispanic studies, along with classes that support my hopes of matriculating to medical school. I endeavor to offer an adventurous spirit, work ethic, prayers, ideas and a love for the Faith to St. Paul’s Fellowship of Labor.

SPFL has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to learn and draw strength from the monastics, to make friends in a religiously energetic environment, and to further develop my leadership skills.

May we “labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life (John 6:27).” May God grant us courage to remain a beacon of faith in the jungle of this world.