I was born a Russian Eastern Orthodox on October 10, 1960 in Syracuse, New York. I come from a very religious and spiritual family life and upbringing. Many relatives are priests, archdeacons, choir directors, etc. We belong to the Russian Orthodox Outside of Russian Organization. Our organization has a seminary and monastary in Jordanville, New York. My uncle by marriage runs the Novoe Diveevo Convent, Senior Citizens Residence and Russian Orthodox Seminary. In college, I didn't go to church often, but in my early 20s returned. Then left again and didn't return until I got married and had son baptized on October 31st, 1994. My husband was Catholic and didn't have to convert to marry in our Church.