Mr Matthew Persons

Matthew Persons went from a troubled youth and Iraq War veteran to a devoted candidate for the Byzantine Catholic diaconate. Through the mercy of Jesus Christ and the beauty of the Eastern Church, his life was transformed. Watch his powerful testimony and discover the grace of being Called East.

Jeremy Coombs is a third-year diaconate candidate studying for the Eparchy of St. Josaphat through the Holy Apostles Institute. A convert to Catholicism, Jeremy is also a husband, father, and former U.S. Marine. Hear what he has to say about his journey and the experience of diaconate studies.

Fr. Deacon Michael Sudik serves in the Eparchy of St. Josaphat at St. Sophia Parish in Garner, North Carolina. He also serves as the Director of the Holy Apostles Institute for Diaconate Formation in the Byzantine tradition.

Learn more about the program, explore what we offer, and discover what steps to take if you hear the call to serve.

Subdeacon Michael Trexler is a husband, father, and professional chef whose journey led him from the Lutheran Church to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Now studying for the diaconate, he shares how his faith, family life, and culinary vocation all converge in his calling to serve. His story is one of transformation, tradition, and the courage to follow God’s voice.