Dear Fr. Evan/St. Spyridon,
Thank you for your generous donation to support my work at Project Mexico and Saint Innocent Orphanage. Your support means so much to me and everyone here. You've provided Christmas gifts, funds for a roof project which we hope to commence soon, and directly for me to be able to stay and help in-person. I am honored to be here as a representative and product of the beautiful, loving, and tranformative community of St. Spyridon.
I've recently been reading a lot about St. Hermon and the sentiment he felt for his home monastery back in Russia (Valaam) while ministering to and living alongside the Alaskans particularly resonates with me when I remember my home parish of St. Spyridon: "My beloved."
This Spring I will continue the OCMC Reading program and complete the NCO (New Candidate Orientation) the end of March to, God-willing, continue serving here for the next couple years or another place abroad if necessary.
Thank you for the warm welcome for my quick visit around Nativity. Once again I was struck by the beauty of the liturgy, the music, and the warm love exuded by the faithful (even from a distance). I cannot wait to visit again. Really it's coming home to "My beloved."
Good strength to you all as we enter Great Lent.
Much Love,
Shannon Todd
Please take a look at the photo gallery attached below for more pictures Shannon shared with us.