The Rev. Dn. Chad Cordero, a deacon of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), is attached to the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos Orthodox Church in Charlotte, NC. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in 2022. Dn. Chad and his wife Jaime are faithful members of the St. Vladimir’s Society, comprised of generous donors who give monthly to St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Dn. Chad graciously shared with us why he supports the Seminary.
Dn. Chad, how long have you been serving at Nativity of the Holy Theotokos?
This has been the first and only parish that we’ve attended since my wife and I moved here from California in 2006. We were catechized and chrismated at this parish. This is our home. We have four children that we are raising here. We have been truly blessed by such an amazing parish community and all the opportunities that God provided us since we have been here, the last twenty years.
How did you first connect with St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVOTS)?
I had heard of SVOTS before, but it wasn’t until 2019 when I began my educational journey to the diaconate that I became intimately involved in what it had to offer and how special it really was. SVOTS had the roadmap, through the OCA Diaconal Vocations Program [frequently hosted on SVOTS’ campus in previous years] that I was able to participate in and follow until my ordination to the diaconate in 2022. During that time I was exposed to all that SVOTS really provides for the Church, and it was very humbling to see. I was beside myself as I witnessed the sacrifice that so many people give to be a part of the SVOTS community and ultimately commit their lives and their families’ lives to serving our Lord Jesus Christ. Since my time in the DVP I have met so many great priests and dedicated families who came from the Seminary. I am excited to see how the Church grows through the amazing work that the Seminary is doing.
And since then, you have become a generous supporter of SVOTS and a member of the St. Vladimir’s Society of monthly givers! Why did you decide to join?
I felt convicted to join the St. Vladimir’s Society as I thought about all the people who have sacrificed so much to serve our Lord. At first I felt guilty that I could not give in the same way that the students (and families) are giving. There is story after story of the students who quit their jobs and moved their families to the campus to follow God’s calling in their life. However, after much prayer and discernment, I realized that I have to follow my calling, and I can still participate even if it looks different. It was about that time that I heard about the St. Vladimir’s Society. I decided to join. I have always been told, “to whom much has been given, much is expected.” Well, I have been given so much, I must take every opportunity to give back, no matter how big or small it is. The Society is one of the ways that I can give back.
Members of the St. Vladimir’s Society such as your family are so important in providing stability for the Seminary each month. How would you describe the importance of monthly giving from your perspective as a donor?
The bonus is that through the Society my family and I can also participate in the work of the Church. Through the many donors that give, we have so many resources that I, and so many others, use on a daily and weekly basis. Resources like liturgical texts and music for organizing the divine services, or daily lives of the Saints and Scripture readings for our spiritual enrichment, and even beyond that to Orthodox educational material for inquirers and the baby Orthodox who just want to know a little more, such as through The Orthodox Faith series (Thank you also, Fr. Tom!). I am so grateful for the small yet meaningful connection I have with this wonderful establishment through the St. Vladimir’s Society.
Learn More & Join the St. Vladimir’s Society
