SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] — A few years ago, a notice was posted on the web site of the Orthodox Church in America seeking adoptive parents for a friendly little Russian orphan, Pavel Kurov -- affectionately known as "Pasha."

After two and a half years of search, complex and demanding paperwork, starts and stops, Pasha has been adopted and arrived at his new home in the US at the end of January.

Now the son of David and Dawn Heatwole, members of Saint Catherine Mission, Hagerstown, MD, Pasha, who suffers from a rare neurological condition called sacral agenesis, just celebrated his eighth birthday surrounded by his new family and friends.

“Although it was a very long wait, filled with blood, sweat and tears, looking back we are reminded that ultimately God is in control and HIS timing is perfect. This became very visible to us once we came home with Pasha,” remarked David, Pasha’s new dad. “Pasha seems very happy although still very shy. He is adapting well overall and we are excited to see his progress. We are amazed at how creative he is. His first big project was to make a Batman outfit all out of paper, even the cape.”

“He has really taken to David!" Dawn adds. "He loves his Papa!!! It’s so cool to see! … He’s picking up a little English and learning the alphabet. He’s smart!! He’s soooooo cute!!!! I wish you all could meet him! Thanks for your prayers.”

The Heatwoles extend their thanks to everyone who prayed for the successful completion of Pasha’s adoption.

Besides making Pasha feel comfortable in his new home and enrolling him in school, medical tests to determine the extent of his disability and the appropriate treatment are on the Heatwole's agenda. Those who would like to help the family and be part of a support group for Pasha can e-mail the Heatwoles at david.heatwole@verizon.net.

Those who would consider adopting other children who because of their disabilities have little chance of being adopted in their homelands are invited to contact Mrs. Arlene Kallaur, director of the OCA adoption referral program, at arlene@oca.org.

The Saint Catherine's parish has seen many miracles over her almost 30 years.  We have seen many men enter into the priesthood after being members of our small Parish.

The last two lay persons turned Seminarians turned Priests are:

Adam Sexton  and   Mircea Airinei

Congratulations to both of them (and their large families!) and may God Grant Them Many Years!

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.