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Archpriest Moses Berry, Priest of Theotokos “Unexpected Joy” Orthodox Church in Ash Grove, Missouri, visited St. Tikhon’s Seminary after having participated in the ordination of Dn. Samuel Davis to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, April 21st.  He gave a talk to members of the seminary and monastery communities on Monday evening, April 23rd.  He is an inspiring presenter to listen to, both in recounting the realities of slavery that he and family members encountered and lived with, and sharing his hopes and dreams for the African-American community within the Orthodox Church.  He celebrated the newly ordained Fr. Samuel Davis as one of the next generation of African-American clergy, seminary trained, to lead his faithful forward!  He shared that currently excavations are occurring on his homestead property that once included a safe-house for slaves, and how those traveling through the area would know whether the way was clear for them to dwell there.

Archpriest Steven Voytovich thanked Fr. Moses for his presentation, and intoned many years for Archpriest Moses, his family and his flock, as well as the newly ordained Fr. Samuel, his family, and his flock.  Many who attended his talk remained to talk further with Fr. Moses, and Seminarian Ephraim Tauck, who knows Fr. Moses, assisted in getting him to seminary from New Jersey, and again back to the airport for his return trip.