Father Nicholas Kuznetsov

Last updated through GM3 ch 39.

Parish priest at Saint Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in McKinley; Mike's confessor at college (Father Herman serves Holy Transfiguration in West Monroe). Hosted Bishop ARKADY for Mike's tonsure as reader (Jan 23, 1983, Saint Michael) and coordinates subdeacon ordination; lives in the parish house where Mike and Clarissa brief him (Mar 1983). Welcomes Mike's gay and lesbian friends at services if they respect parish tradition; treats Mike's public kiss with Janey as unwise, not immoral. June 1, 1983 — hears Mike's confession before Vespers; agrees he should apologize privately to Deacon Vasily for angry tone while defending Tasha outings; warns against improper intimacy with Natalya. July 23, 1983 — meets evangelical inquirer Maggie Schumacher at Vespers; teases Mike about converts; cautions against rushing marriage before medical training ends. July 31, 1983 — Deacon Vasily at Cathedral; borrows Subdeacon Michael from Tasha for altar prep; jokes with Tasha about the «Matushka» lot. Mar 19, 1983 — relays bishop's status quo ante on subdeacon ordination and retains discretion over Mike's friends at church; counsels Mike that Tasha and Deacon Vasily treat outings as courting toward marriage, that oversharing Clarissa's orientation triggered the Orlov crisis, and on civil rights, venues to avoid, and loving friends without foolish disclosure.

GM3 ch 31 (Oct 1, 1983): Before Vespers — hears Angie wants to «jump to the end»; advises Mike abstinence with her and notes Angie lacks reason to trust his slow-path claims given past casual sex; grants absolution when Mike asks.

GM3 ch 34 (Oct 14, 1983): Mike calls parish office (Mrs. Sokolova); no message from Angie on machine; Father Nicholas at church since 7:00am; will check home line; asks for Underwood's name and mutual updates on Angie's whereabouts.

GM3 ch 35 (Oct 15, 1983): Called Angie's home and her home-church priest — no contact; prays with Mike for her safety; adds Angie to Liturgy prayer list.

GM3 ch 38 (Oct 29, 1983): Before Vespers — brief phone with Angie; Buffalo priest brought Eucharist; she is in Cincinnati under her doctors; probes Mike's relationship; accepts his account (not an official couple; chaste with Angie; confessed dorm overnight guests); continues absolution/healing counsel (Pauline struggle).

GM3 ch 39 (Oct 30, 1983): Meets Kimiko at Liturgy; warns Mike on student/family visa limits, marriage immigration pitfalls, and direct Vladyka catechism for a Shinto partner.