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SOUTH CANAAN, PA [STOTS Communications] – St. Tikhon’s Seminary is pleased to welcome Fr. Ignatius Gauvain in the role of Director of Student Life.  He began serving in this role on July 1st.

Fr. Ignatius (then Robert) completed coursework in Mathematics and Civil Engineering at the University of Alaska, before completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from St. Thomas Aquinas College in California in June 2000.  He married his wife Elizabeth in July, 2001.

With his preliminary teaching certificate, Robert taught math courses, grades 9-12, for at-risk students.  He completed a Teacher’s Secondary Certificate in Mathematics at California State University in Northridge California (2005).   While there he also tutored other students in math and science.

Before coming to St. Tikhon’s Seminary, Fr. Ignatius attended St. Herman Church in Minneapolis, MN.  While in Minnesota he served as Vice-President of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce in the midst of building his own computer business supporting individuals and businesses.

Fr. Ignatius came to St. Tikhon’s Seminary in 2010 with his wife Elizabeth and their children:  Alexei, Xenia, and Veronika.  Anna and Maximos were born while they were at seminary.  He worked part-time while taking slightly less than a full semester course loads.  He also served as Mission Choir Member, traveling with the choir on many weekends during his years of study.  Fr. Ignatius was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on May 25, 2013, and to the Holy Priesthood on February 2, 2014, by Metropolitan Tikhon. 

While completing his studies, Fr. Ignatius began serving at St. Mary’s Church, Coaldale.  He graduated with his M.Div. Degree in May, 2014, and has since completed two years of pastoral service to this parish community.  He also has served as Treasurer for the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania.   All during this time Fr. Ignatius continued to travel to St. Tikhon’s, serving vigil and Divine Liturgy weekly, as well as assisting both the seminary and monastery with information technology support. 

Fr. Steven, seminary dean, had the opportunity to work with Fr. Ignatius on information technology needs during these past two years.  He noted:  “Fr. Ignatius approached each situation with an unbiased sense of balance and resourcefulness that was most helpful in resolving even the most difficult challenges.”

Fr. Ignatius shared a brief reflection in taking up his new responsibilities:  “I and my family feel as if we have returned home, though in truth part of us never left; a piece of our hearts remained here even while we lived away.  Brother and sisters, each of us can plant a small piece of our hearts like a seed in this fertile soil.  Here that seed is tended by the saints and watered by the Spirit and yields much fruit.  And for anyone whose heart is planted here, each return is a homecoming.  Thank you for welcoming us home.   May God bless us all!

Please join us in welcoming Fr. Ignatius.  You can contact Fr. Ignatius by phone at 570.561.1818, Extension 103, or by e-mail at:  ignatius.gauvain@stots.edu