Nick Isaac was born in Bethel, Alaska, in 1956. He grew up on the Johnson River, and in Ohogamuit, Marshall, and Akiachak. He went to grade school in Marshall and Akiachak, and he attended high school in Eagle River and Bethel. He graduated from Bethel Regional High School in 1975. Between 1975 and 1986 he took some college courses and later went to St. Herman's Seminary from 1977-78.

Nick was ordained Deacon on July 12, 1996, and plans to work in the Russian Orthodox Church as long as people need him here. He says a deacon's job is to help the priest and bishop to teach Orthodox Christians about the faith, visit sick people, do fundraising for the Church, help teach church school and help out during youth camps. He was first interested in the job when Father Stan recommended he write a petition to the Holy Sobor of Bishops for ordination into the Diaconatel. Seminary training is required to become a Deacon, and Father Stan and other priests gave him instructions on the functions of a deacon.

Nick says the best thing about being a deacon is to be able to serve with the bishop and priests, and being able to read the Gospel because it is the basis of Christian teaching. He says he loves being able to help others whenever possible. Nick has a family, and he says that they are required to attend church services, and if they don't show up, it gives him a "down" feeling.

Charlotte Alstrom