Father by Susan Reagan
Is prayer
spoken or is it felt? When the voice is
absent how are prayers expressed? Voice loss presents itself for many different reasons. In
this case voice loss was the quiet warning signal that announced a greater
challenge was yet to come.
As a 26
year old young man Michael Mondik felt a calling that could not be ignored. That
calling was to serve God as an ordained Byzantine Catholic priest. At an early
age Michael was a devout Catholic as a result of being raised in a religious
home. Going into the seminary was the only logical choice; it was his greatest
desire throughout his life.
When asked
what motivated him to join the priesthood, he was not sure what to say. He just
knew it was meant to be. When his father dropped him off at the seminary he
said, “Michael, it is okay to change your mind”. As they said their final good-bye’s young
Michael simply said, “It’s where I belong, Dad”. His family was always supportive, encouraging
of his choices every step of the way. Father Michael recalls never looking back
towards the car for one last goodbye. Forty-two years later he still feels very
strongly that he made the correct decision so long ago.
Father
Michael Mondik was the Pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church in Rahway, New Jersey until July1,
2015 when he retired from active Ministry. He was the parochial leader of
one-hundred and sixty five families or roughly three-hundred parishioners. Father Michael’s greatest joy was serving at
the altar, conducting liturgical services with the perfection that Eastern Christianity
strives to achieve. The Eastern Christian Divine Liturgy is for the Glory of
God so every word is spoken with precision and every movement carried out with
grace.
Being a
pastor is more than conducting services. He also enjoyed counseling
parishioners when they came forward in need of help. Seminary training prepared
him by offering coursework in counseling and psychology but they also taught
him when he was in over his head. He learned how to make referrals to other
more qualified professionals. He lamented, “Things are different these days
society has changed a great deal creating a very litigious environment”. Towards
the end of his tenure all priests were not permitted to counsel people outside
of their parish.
Using
one’s voice is the one common factor in performing both of these duties. Without
a voice these tasks would be nearly impossible to perform. In 2010 Father
presented with vocal issues that caused him to seek medical advice. He felt
tightness in his throat and hoarseness in his voice. After a great deal of
exploration and medical testing Father Mondik was diagnosed with multiple myeloma
and amyloid sarcoidosis. Voice loss was the first warning sign well before
being diagnosed with cancer.
By 2009 Father Michael noticed he was unable to control the
pitch of his voice. This was a critical aspect of his ministry as Byzantine
Catholic services are chanted without musical accompaniment. His face, throat
and neck sporadically swelled but with medication could be treated. Eventually
his doctor was unable to remove the protein rich fluids that engorged his
lymphatic system creating permanent swelling in the area. He is grateful
because the swelling could have occurred in his lungs and or heart causing the
inability to breathe or cardiac arrest. He considered himself lucky looking at
the possibilities.
Father
Mondik had to make several changes in his service and life. He learned not to
force his voice and realized no matter how much he pushed or strained it would
make no difference in the quality of his voice. He reports feeling no pain in
his throat but does admit to getting tired by the end of the day. Singing and
chanting is difficult so he tries to keep both to a minimum. At times he
heavily relies on the parish Deacon and the use of a microphone. He will recite
prayers instead of chanting when optional.
It is terrifying
to lose one’s voice when your career depends on that voice to be effective. It is
unimaginable to cope with a diagnosis of cancer with a poor prognosis. Even
though parishioners knew and understood his situation it was still very hard,
as living is always the hardest part. While talking about mortality Father
admits that quality of life is more important than quantity. He questioned over and over how would he lead
a parish without a voice?
When asked
about faith and accepting the will of God and he responded “it is not a matter
of faith it’s matter of knowing life is eternal in the kingdom of God.” This life is temporary.
Currently
Father Michael Mondik has retired and moved to Arizona to be surrounded by the
comfort of friends. His condition continues to worsen with frequent
hospitalizations. The eventual end not very far off, Father Michael is at peace
in knowing that he served God in this life and will be with God in the next
life everlasting.
