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removed multiple uses of "theology" in the same sentence, too, ugh!
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 ([http://www.jeffholton.com/papers/ChurchHistory/ChurchHistoryA/saints.doc ''The Emergence of the Cult of Saints and Martyrs'']) for Dr. Feldmeth. Although he could justifiably burn this paper today for heresy 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. Sensing that passive spectatorship was of little value, Holton joined the choir as a "floater" bass/tenor, surprising a grateful Kathy Trapp (memory eternal) who wasn't used to people ''volunteering'' for such things!
