51
edits
Changes
m
[[Image:Holton_and_checkov.jpg|left|frame|Anton Checkov and Jeffrey Holton Consistent exposure to the subtle but unmistakable presence of Christ in a brief moment of solidarity]]A series of academic fits and starts the mysteries led to an the eventual bestowal outpouring of hunger for the Eucharist in early 2002. Holton was made a Master of Arts catechumen in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in SeptemberFebruary and was received through Chrismation on Holy Saturday, 20042002. He took the name Theophilus (a reasonable translation of "Jeffrey" into Greek). His culminating thesis was entitled ''Orthodox-Protestant Dialogue: An Analysis patron, Blessed Feofil of a Subset of East-West Historical and Contemporary Interactions and a Justification the Kiev Lavra, is considered dear both for Orthodox Participation Therein,'' his common heritage in the northern Ukraine as well as a paper written for and name day coincident with Dr. Veli-Matti KärkkäinnenHolton's birthday.
Minor additional information added
[[Image:Holton_and_checkov.jpg|right|frame|Anton Checkov and Jeffrey Holton in a brief moment of solidarity]]== About Jeff == Jeff Holton is an Orthodox Christian layperson and is an adult convert to Orthodoxy. He currently serves as a high school catechist for his local parish, and especially enjoys presenting the relevance of the faith and the astounding depth of the mysteries to his agape [pun intended] students.
Holton's background in the faith is as a conservative-progressive Presbyterian (USA). He held leadership positions in youth groups at both the primary and secondary education levels. After receiving a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Lafayette College (Easton, PA) in May, 1994, Holton returned to his home church (West Valley Presbyterian, Cupertino, CA) to serve as Director of Youth Ministries.
Around this time he was accepted by his Presbytery as a Candidate for Preparation for Ministry, and he began his graduate work in theology, studying theology under Drs. Robert K. Johnston and Libby Vincent, biblical languages under Dr. John Koeker, history with Dr. Nate Feldmeth, and literature with Dr. Anthony Petrotta. Holton's first academic considerations of Orthodoxy surfaced while working on a paper (''The Emergence of the Cult of Saints and Martyrs'') for Dr. Feldmeth. Although he would rather burn this paper today as heretical in its conclusions, he rather keeps it as a souvenir of the beginnings of formulating his own thoughts on the subject substantially enough to begin to question and unravel them.
In the midst of the ensuing decade, an odd transformation transpired. He met and married an Orthodox woman who had grown up in the Church. After three years attending his home church together (where he was assisting in worship leadership and musical presentations), he decided that fair was fair and began attending Orthodox Liturgy. Consistent exposure to the subtle but unmistakable presence Sensing that passive spectatorship was of Christ in the mysteries led to the eventual outpouring of hunger for the Eucharist in early 2002. He was made a catechumen in February and was received through Chrismation on Holy Saturdaylittle value, 2002. He took Holton joined the name Theophilus (choir as a reasonable translation of "Jeffreyfloater" into Greek). His patronbass/tenor, Blessed Feofil of the Kiev Lavra, is considered dear both for his common heritage in the northern Ukraine as well as surprising a name day coincident with Holtongrateful Kathy Trapp (memory eternal) who wasn't used to people ''volunteering''s birthday.for such things!
A lifelong resident series of academic fits and starts led to an eventual bestowal of a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in September, 2004. His culminating thesis was entitled ''Orthodox-Protestant Dialogue: An Analysis of a Subset of East-West Historical and Contemporary Interactions and a Justification for Orthodox Participation Therein,'' a paper written for and with Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinnen. He continues to be driven my a strong, deep desire to see Christians of various identifications to continue positive dialogue with each other towards the eventual inclusion of all into the One, Holy, Apostolic Church. Holton works in sales and training for a construction software company in Livermore, California, Holton where he resides. He enjoys playing with his guitar and with his son, but not necessarily in that order. "Children are harder to tune," he says, "but the melodies are a little more interesting, unpredictible, and jazzy." Holton attends the Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection in Castro Valley, CA, with his son, wife, and her parents. He can be found during the first weekend of October in the festival kitchen, feverishly chopping cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, and practicing saying futilely attempting to cheer "Opa!" (still) with no discernible American accent. == Links ==*[http://jjust.livejournal.com Jeff's blog]*[http://cvresurrection.org Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection, Castro Valley, California]
