Hello and welcome. My name is Father John, and I am a blessed husband, a father of three, and an Archpriest of the Orthodox Church. It is my deepest joy to welcome you to this small corner of the internet dedicated to the profound beauty and symbolism of Orthodox jewelry.
The purpose of this website is simple: to be a trustworthy guide for you. In a world full of mass-produced items, choosing a baptismal cross, a wedding ring, or a personal icon is a deeply significant act of faith. These are not mere ornaments; they are powerful expressions of our relationship with God. My mission here is to help you understand the rich history and spiritual meaning behind these sacred items, so you can choose pieces that will truly resonate with your soul for a lifetime.
My own journey to the priesthood was not a direct path. Born in 1966, I spent my early life exploring the world through many different vocations. I studied physics and mathematics, worked as a machinist, and served for three years in the Navy. After my service, I worked as a driver, a firefighter, and even ran my own business. These diverse experiences taught me much about the world and the people in it, and through it all, my path slowly but surely led me to the Church.
In 1997, I found my true calling at the Holy Trinity Monastery, and in 1998, I was blessed to be ordained to the holy priesthood.
For over 25 years now, I have dedicated my life to pastoral ministry. I have had the honor of serving as a rector and spiritual guide to numerous parishes, a dean, and a member of the Diocesan Council. A significant part of my ministry has always been public outreach and education—sharing the light of Orthodox teaching through weekly radio programs, monthly television broadcasts, and articles in print.
This website is a natural extension of that lifelong work. Over the decades, countless people have asked me for guidance on matters of faith, and questions about symbols, icons, and crosses are among the most common. “What do these letters mean?” “How do I choose the right cross for my godchild?” “What is the significance of this icon?”
Here, I hope to answer those questions for you. By combining my pastoral experience with careful research, my goal is to provide clear, accurate, and spiritually enriching guidance.
Thank you for being here. It is my sincere prayer that you will find this resource helpful on your journey of faith.