Gunnar Matsen, a faithful member of St. Anna Parish, has discerned a deep calling to share the Gospel with those who have yet to experience the richness of our Orthodox Christian faith. Our parish is overjoyed to support him in his upcoming mission work in Puerto Rico. Specifically, he will work with Archpriest Gregorio Justiniano at the ROCOR Parish, San Juan Clímaco Mission Duey Alto, San Germán, PR.

He will support the parish's ministry activities, such as teaching Orthodox Christian Catechism and Bible studies, helping in the altar as a Reader, chanting services, assisting with outreach to youth (possibly starting an OCF chapter on campus), community development, and physically helping construct the Church. He will also help Fr. Gregorio with any needs that arise.

Gunnar’s mother was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia. His father is Norwegian. He has a twin brother and two older sisters. His grandmother, who lived with their family for 15 years, only spoke Spanish, and his mother mostly speaks Spanish at home. Besides traveling to Colombia and being immersed in the culture every other year, he has taken three years of Spanish in school to refine his language skills. He has already done missionary outreaches to Puerto Rico and Project Mexico. On October 2, 2024, he became a Colombian Citizen at the Colombian Embassy in San Francisco, CA (dual citizenship).

Gunnar was raised in a bilingual home and a multicultural (Hispanic) nondenominational (the Church is now Anglican Hispanic) Church in Santa Rosa, CA, until he was eight. Then, his family moved to Sacramento, where he started his Orthodox Christian journey at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Sacramento on June 15, 2014. On November 21, 2015, he was baptized and chrismated into the Faith by Fr. James and Fr. Timothy, taking the name Paul for the Holy Apostle. On July 31, 2016, I officially became an Acolyte at Annunciation. On March 24, 2019, he was officially tonsured a Reader by Metropolitan Gerasimos at Annunciation Church. On July 1, 2019, their family was received into our parish. Gunnar and his brother regularly serve as Acolytes, help with the youth, and assist the clergy.

In August, he will transfer from American River College and enroll at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, to continue his studies in Civil Engineering. He will work with Fr. Gregorio at the Parish and, hopefully, help with Orthodox Christian Mission trips to Puerto Rico throughout the year. He then intends to enroll at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology to begin his theological studies.

Why This Mission Matters:

• Reaching the Lost:

This is the only Orthodox Christian church and outreach on the Puerto Rican Island of 3.2 million people, except for a small Antiochian Orthodox Church that is only in Arabic. The church is growing with many new catechumens and converts, and there is a need for Orthodox Christian Catechumen discipleship.

• Building Community:

By establishing a strong Orthodox Christian presence, we can foster a supportive community for new converts in their native Spanish language.

• Witnessing through Service:

Our ministry will also involve practical acts of love and compassion, demonstrating Christ's teachings through service within the cultural norms of the island.

How You Can Partner with Gunnar

• Prayer:

Please pray for his safety, wisdom, and the hearts of those he will encounter.

• Financial Support:

Financial contributions will cover essential costs like travel, living expenses, and local ministry needs.

• Sharing His Story:

Please consider sharing his missionary story with others to spread awareness about this work of the Orthodox Christian Missions.

For more information, please contact Gunnar, gunnarmatsen@gmail.com