Acknowledgements

 Thank YouI 

I thank Sophia, God's Holy Spirit who has guided every step of my life...and when I did not listen and went my own human way, gently and lovingly helped me back to my feet and to stable footing again.

I thank my mother who taught me that the greatest gift that a person can give or receive is a good education.

I thank my wonderful husband Vinny and his loving, supportive, zany, life-affirming family without whom I would not fully appreciate the joys and fullness of life.

I thank Bishop Katia Romanoff, Ph.D., and Bishop James who accepted me into Holy Orders and taught me how to become a servant of God. 

I thank my dear sister Bishop Angela. We walk this path together dear Angela. You are the Yin to my Yang and my lodestar. 

I thank my dear sister Rev. Cynthia S. Jackson, M. Div., who was faith-filled,  smart, funny, gracious, and loving. I miss you very day.

I thank Rev. Dr. Father Kuemmerle, Ph.D., who epitomizes what a Pastor truly is; faith-filled, intelligent, wise, compassionate, and insightful. I am the deacon, priest, and bishop that I am due to his guidance. 

Thank you Father Clyde.

I thank my brother Bishop Erik who does honor to his calling every week.

I thank my friends who over the years have become accustomed to me leaving their lives to immerse myself in yet another class, and welcoming and listening to me when I return. 

I send a special hug to Tara and Thomas and family Rudakas who are our loving family in the fullest sense of the word.

Thank you, Rev. Joyce, Rev. Diane, Val and Oded, Anthony and Karen, Rev. Gabriella and the St. Praxedis Community, Lynn and John, Craig, Ms. B., Dale, Sheri, Jacqueline, Thomas, Asayo, Odell, Brenda, Sheryl, Amos, Wendy, Louise, Gene, Ana, dear Carmen, Gymnetta, and my colleagues in 

Ecclesia Ministries.

I thank my hundreds of teachers over the years who have opened their classroom doors and learning portals and poured out their knowledge and shared their passion for their subjects. 

I thank the faculty and scholars at Grace Theological Seminary. You are the fire that fuels my passion.  I am driven in my ministry to serve you.

I thank the Graduate Theological Foundation for its ability to open the doors and make room for students who are passionate

 about knowledge and research. 

Last but not least, I thank dear Mother Nature who was given the task by the heavens of caring for this one of a kind planet in our universe. She has clearly done her very best. It is we who are letting her down. She needs our assistance. May we stop despoiling the earth. It is God's gift to us.