In the midst of my bustling trucking schedule, where every minute is accounted for, there are rare moments when the rhythm of life slows, allowing for unexpected detours. Such was the case recently, as freight schedules eased and I found myself with an unanticipated pocket of time.
In my life, the line between truck driver and subdeacon often clash. It’s almost as if I am two people living in a strange dichotomy. Despite the struggles of being a truck driver and living this rough life on the road, my heart and soul are still that of an Orthodox Christian subdeacon and potential seminarian at best.
So, with an extra 6 hours at my disposal, I felt that it would be a wise idea to seek out an evening church service. I knew that many churches have Vespers on Wednesday nights, and perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go, if I could find one. If I want to have the mind of a seminarian, then I must act like one. I must put the crudeness of the trucker behind and temper my soul against the fires of the road. I made the decision to go to service, and then I nearly almost didn’t go. There was a voice inside of me telling me not to attend the service, don’t go. It said there’s no need to fight the traffic. You can just stay in your truck and play your games. There’s no need to go to service, it’s just a Vespers service. I almost listened to that voice. I’m glad I didn’t.
Despite those initial reservations, another, deeper and more persistent voice nudged me onwards and towards the nearby Eastern Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukee Oregon.
As I stepped through the wooden doors of the church, the scent of incense lingered in the air, mingling with the faint chants of a reader preparing to chant. The sanctuary itself was molded out of wood, large beams and timber framing rising up into a pointed ceiling.
The service unfolded with a quiet solemnity as the evening prayers floated upwards. I tried to focus, I Really did. But there was so much to look at in the church so much to be aware of. Icons on every wall, metal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Timber rafters going up the sides, as well as signs of construction and expansion as the church literally expands for a bigger congregation. I did my best to keep my mind from wandering. I focused in on the words being chanted. But still I found myself lost in the moment.
As the evening of Vespers service was finished, I just wanted a few more minutes to absorb the church. I made my prostrations in front of the icons and the front of the relics, and just stood to the side looking at the altar and the iconostasis.
This is when Father Michael came out and introduced himself to me. I wasn’t planning on staying, but he encouraged me to stay, to eat with them, and to be a part of their fellowship. His kindness was appreciated. He had a warmth to him that was welcoming. I told him that I was a local truck driver from the Portland area and that I was on downtime and figured a service would be good for me. He told me that I was ever in the area, I was more than welcome to come and join the services.
I went downstairs and did my best impression of a socially awkward penguin. I checked out their bookstore. I glanced at their library, and I just stood back because I don’t know anyone. Well, that’s not true. Actually, there was a deacon that I had met on my Alaska pilgrimage last year, and we exchanged pleasantries. But as I was just standing by myself, trying to find a non awkward space where I could exist, two priests that were standing next to me encouraged me to go up to the line for food. I jokingly said shouldn’t the priests go before the subdeacon? The priests laughed but then said ah but you are the visitor! I introduced myself as subdeacon Ian, and that’s when one of these two priests lit up in excitement. He exclaimed that he was the OCA priest from Chattaroy that I had been emailing. His name was Father Timothy Wilkinson, and I was surprised by some of the commonalities we shared. For starters, we have the same spiritual father. For second, while I am a business major at Colorado Technical University, he is the Dean of Business at Whitworth University. He gave me encouragement on my degree plan and said that it was a good fit for a priest. He gave me much encouragement about my life and told me to just keep living life and trust in God.
I no longer felt awkward as I now had an anchor. Father Timothy and I were able to discuss my life as a truck driver, subdeacon, seminarian Seeker, and just my life or at least the SparkNotes version of it. He gave me some good advice and just like in his email, he encouraged me to visit them in chattaroy. I also met his lovely matushka. I was grateful for the connection and I knew there was a reason that I went to the service.
Amidst the jovial chatter and laughter of fellow parishioners, I found myself immersed in a sense of belonging—a feeling that transcended the boundaries of time and space. As I stood amidst the bustling crowd, I couldn’t help but marvel at the unity found within these walls—a unity forged by shared faith and a shared commitment to love and service.
As the evening drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the serendipitous nature of divine encounters. In the quiet moments of introspection, I realized that sometimes, the most meaningful connections are the ones we least expect. In the midst of life’s uncertainties, may we always remain open to the divine encounters that lead us closer to our purpose and our community of faith.
It was God who nudged me in the right direction, guiding my steps with unseen hands and orchestrating moments of grace that affirmed my journey. In the embrace of this sacred space and the warmth of newfound connections, I felt a profound sense of reassurance—a reminder that in the midst of life’s complexities, God’s presence is ever-present, offering solace and guidance to those who seek it.
I’m really glad I went to the service. Even though I probably won’t be able to go to the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy tomorrow morning with Archbishop Benjamin, I’m thankful for what I was able to receive. And glory to God for that.
Thank you for reading my friends. It’s pretty late and I should get to bed. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for those little moments where God tries to guide you.
– Orthodox Trucker
Orthodox Trucker 