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On January 29, 2022, St. Tikhon’s Seminary was able to celebrate a double ordination: Deacon Paul Hamner to the Holy Priesthood, and Solomon Longo to the Holy Diaconate.

Deacon Paul Hamner was ordained to the order of the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence Michael, Archbishop of New York. The ordination took place at the St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church on the commemoration of the translation of the relics of Hieromartyr Ignatius of Antioch.

Fr. Paul arrived at St. Tikhon’s from California nearly three years ago with his wife and children. Since coming to St. Tikhons, Fr. Paul has committed himself to learning the faith and particularly the writings of the Holy Fathers of the Church. He can often be found in the classroom after hours, discussing the fathers and guiding his peers in the same. This is not to say that Fr. Paul is not a devout family man. If he is not at school or the monastery church, he is at home with his wife, Mat. Sarah, and their four children Rowan, Molly, Sam, and Agnes. Fr. Paul is slated to return to the Diocese of the West after graduation and serve as a parish priest there. St. Tikhon’s expects great things from Fr. Paul and his family in the years to come, and blesses his future ministry. Axios, Fr. Paul!

In addition to the ordination of Fr. Paul, Solomon Longo was ordained the Holy Diaconate. Solomon, his wife Anna, and their five beautiful young boys are a blessing to have at St. Tikhons. Fr. Solomon is hard-working, thoughtful, and a crucial volunteer, having assisted in important renovation improvements at the seminary. His example of service outside of church will guide him well as he begins his diaconate inside the church. St. Tikhon’s looks forward to sharing another year with the Longo family and offers blessings to Father Deacon Solomon on the occasion of his ordination. Axios!

 

By Priest Ignatius Strange, STOTS Class of 2022