A mathematician turned priest, the Rev. Anthony Mikovsky finds harmony between math and religion.
—They’re both about underlying order and underlying beauty,— said Mikovsky, 40, an assistant pastor at St. Stanislaus Cathedral in South Scranton, the mother church of the Polish National Catholic Church.
For the number aficionado, one in particular has come to hold significant meaning in the past month: four. Mikovsky is among four new bishops selected last month who will be consecrated next week for the Polish National Catholic Church.
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An active, lifelong member of the Polish National Catholic Church, Mikovsky said the transition into clergy life was gradual but not unexpected.
—I really believe in the call,— he said, referring to the idea that God calls people to clerical life. —In some sense, it’s not what I set out to do. But it’s certainly something that fit.—
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Their election marked the first time since 1924 that four bishops were chosen at a general synod.
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The legislative branch of the church, the general synod is held every four years. Both clergy and laity can nominate candidates for bishop, who are whittled down and eventually voted on by clergy members and lay representatives.
Last month also marked the first time delegates have used electronic voting at a general synod.
The fundamental beliefs of the church represent teachings and doctrine of the undivided Catholic church, before its split between East and West in 1054.
The church has about 120 parishes spread throughout 20 states and four Canadian provinces.
Clergy have been allowed to marry since 1921. Parishioners also have the right to elect parish committee members, own church property, manage church finances and have input regarding the election of pastors and bishops.
—I like that very much,— Mikovsky said of the power lay members have to oversee church finances and administration. —I can focus on the spiritual matters.—
