September 6th: An important day for our family ❤

Archangel Michael pray to God for us

Today, we reflect on how meaningful September 6th is to our family.

To start, September 6th is the day we commemorate Holy Saint Michael the Archangel and his Holy Miracle.

We decided that our family patron saint would be Saint Michael, given Alexis’, and for that matter, our family, relationship with the United States Military.

Recently, we were discussing this fact with some others here at the seminary, and it came to our attention that, although Saint Michael and all the Heavenly Hosts are celebrated in November, the Miracle at Colassai of Archangel Michael is commemorated today, September 6th.

This so happens to be the day that Alexis raised his right hand and was sworn into the United States Army. We thought that was a pretty special coincidence and gave us yet another reason to feel confident in our current path.

Today is also the day that the Ukrainian Archdiocese released its list of current seminarians. On that list, for the first time, was Alexis. Although I knew joining the Ukrainian Archdiocese was the right decision from the beginning, today was the first day I felt a great sense of pride and ownership over being an “honorary” Ukrainian. Not being of Ukrainian heritage myself, but knowing that my husband is, and thus so are my boys, I feel now, more than ever, this was where God was leading us all along. What that means for the future, I don’t exactly know, but I take great solace in knowing all these things share so much connectedness.

Thinking about all this connectedness over the last couple of days had me reflecting on Poland quite a bit. I have been remembering all that took place during those 6-8 weeks of providing humanitarian aid. I was struck with heartache over remembering the footage we saw firsthand off of others' phones; imagery that contained footage of young children being blown up in the streets as they were fleeing for their lives. I was struck with memories of crying myself to sleep every night and then waking up every morning by myself to take my son to school because my husband worked at the border. Meanwhile, during those long days, I remembered delivering supplies and food and watching mothers riffle through bins of sifted clothing just trying to find a pair of matching shoes that would cover their children’s bare feet.

I was struck with the reminder that during all that, it was just normal life, but when I think about it, it wasn’t “normal” at all. We worked tirelessly during that time. However, with that being said, I often feel intense amounts of guilt thinking that anything was perhaps challenging or sad, knowing what others were going through. It’s like my brother once said, “[We were blessed with every opportunity to succeed]” and thus it is our privilege to give of ourselves to others. I don’t talk about Poland or Ukraine much anymore (largely because I am afraid of boring others, and I know most people will have a hard time understanding), but it weighs heavy on my heart often.

I don’t say all that to have some kind of pity party or sob fest but as a reminder of what we are capable of, as well as encouragement that we were meant to be here at Seminary. God put us here for a reason, that I believe. All the pieces of the puzzle seem to be fitting together with greater clarity on the final picture these days. It brings me joy to know we are here being given an opportunity to prepare ourselves for something greater than ourselves.

It seems ever so fitting that we would have chosen Saint Michael as our patron saint, given our life in the military, our move to the Ukrainian Archdiocese, and our desire to give back, especially to those in the military. Alexis and I both have a strong desire to form an organization to support military seminarians and their families, so God willing, we will embark on that in the future. As we commemorate Archangel Michael, we ask for his guidance, perseverance, and bravery.

Lastly, we would like to please ask you to keep us in your prayers. Seminary is not easy, but we know it’s where we are meant to be, and God willing, we will arrive at the day that we can fully dive into a life of servitude toward others. This passion is what keeps us going, and my prayer remains the same, “God Please give us the strength and opportunity to serve wherever we are called and with a joyful heart.”

As always, thank you for listening.

Sending our love from PA,

The Clods

The Kontakion of Saint Michael:

O Michael, who standest altogether radiant before the Trinity together with all the heavenly Hosts, and with them dost cry aloud the song inspired of God: As thou dost pass throughout the earth by God's command and art made wondrous with exceedingly great marvels, cease not to intercede for us all.