Greetings Dear Friends,
Finally an update with news of my Seminary Journey….
The fall was a busy time despite the limitations of Covid. I moved into the Seminary housing - a two bedroom basement suite under the Seminary (attached to the church). This has been wonderful as the walking to the church in the inclement weather was getting tiresome and living here is a good chance to immerse myself fully into the life of the church, reminiscent of the monastic life.
My work as administrator for the Seminary finished at the end of November and that allowed me to fully concentrate on the seminary independent study project. I did not complete my research project and have an extension to complete it in the next couple of weeks. I have been researching ‘The Altar as Grave and Table’ as my topic. This brought up many thoughts and ideas that now I will bring together into a paper and into artistic expression (painting and collage is my plan). This will be followed up with preparing a 40 minute talk on the subject to be done at the end of January or beginning of February.
The introductory course in Greek is also finished now. I did a 10 minute presentation on the two Ancient Koine Greek words for ‘life’ in the New Testament — βίος (Bios) and ζωές (Zoe). Bios is used for that which sustains life or about life. We can see that in English with the word ‘biodiversity’ or biology’. Zoe (pronounced Zoā) is about the life of the Spirit as is ‘eternal life’ or ‘The Tree of Life’. There is so much to learn with the Greek. My sister gave me a Greek interlinear bible which has three english translations along with the Greek text. A very useful tool – especially since grammar isn’t my strong point in English never mind Greek! Still I learned a lot and am able to look at the original language with a little confidence.
To keep up my artistic practice in the fall I was able to attend a few Eurythmy classes. In the photo I am practising Ephisians 6: ‘Put on the Armour of God’ in the chapel of the church.
I was also able to have painting lessons. Veil painting is something I have always felt intimidated to try. I feel very fortunate to have had some guidance from an art teacher here. I used this method for the picture below using thin layers of blue paint and as I was layering the paint I saw the indication of a face and then added layers so that it would show more. Such a different style than what I am used to! I did two other veil paintings and am working on a fourth. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to practice the technique more.
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The end of the fall term was somewhat trying as the future of seminary studies was in deep question. Our directors were wondering how to move forward during the pandemic that was presenting so many limitations. At one point the seminary studies were completely cancelled to wait until the border was able to open to let international students study here again. Thankfully a different plan has come about. I will be able to study here in Toronto with our director Jonah Evans in a covid adapted program that will still meet my needs for priest training. The studies will include lectures to the founding priest circle, study on Sermons, St. John’s Gospel… This program will be reviewed in March and depending on the Covid situation how we move forward with future studies will be decided. Who can plan too far ahead in these strange times??
I have also been learning more practicalities of the life of a priest. In early December I was able to accompany the priests on their work in the community: visiting smaller affiliate congregations and taking communion to a cancer patient for the last anointing. These have been humbling and deep experiences that have helped me grow. I was also involved in planning the Advent spiral. With the lockdown limitations we had the spiral outside. I had caught a cold and was not able to participate in the end, but could see the candle light from my window. Sooooo beautiful with a lot of good feedback from the community as to the way it was organized.
There are times I still can’t believe I am able to be here in Toronto, studying at the Seminary and following this calling. I am full of appreciation for all the heartfelt support I have received.
In so much Gratitude,
Erica
