Joining us for the commemoration of the Great and Holy Week of the Church from our beloved Holy Cross School of Theology are Emmanuel Salem and Ivy Tesfay.
Ivy Gabriella Tesfay is from Las Vegas, Nevada, and attended Saint Paul's Orthodox Church, where she grew closer to Christ by singing and chanting hymns to our Lord. She interned at Project Mexico for three summers and had the opportunity to serve with FOCUS Detroit & the Neighborhood Resilience Project in the following summers. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology from Hellenic College in 2022 and received a Certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry from Holy Cross. She just completed her master’s in theological studies at Holy Cross and is now working as the Assistant Ministry Coordinator at Orthodox Christian Fellowship.
Emmanuel Salem is from Akron, Ohio. He was similarly raised in a pious Orthodox Christian family. His youthful doubts about his faith were removed when he encountered the miracle-working icon of the Mother of God, Kardiotissa, at Camp Nazareth Summer Camp during his senior year of high school. He attended the University of Akron, where he studied Psychology and Philosophy; during his college years, he maintained an interest in aiding younger children struggling with deep questions. What he found lacking in those studies he found fulfilled in Christ, which led him to Seminary in 2021. He is currently completing his third year at Holy Cross.
Ivy and Emmanuel met during their studies at HCHC and got engaged in January! Besides looking forward to their marriage, they continue to discern how they can best serve Christ, the Church, and those in the inner city, specifically those who have yet to experience the fullness of our Faith.
May our Good Lord continue to bless and inspire Emmanuel and Ivy, granting them every good gift from above.