Says Peter, "My 'discovery' of the Episcopal Church has been one of the great blessings of my life. Within the Anglican Communion I found everything I knew I needed as a Christian -- the sacraments, the scriptures, community life, prayer. But at the same time I found that the stumbling blocks to church membership were gone. I found a church where power is shared and where freedom and mutual forbearance flourish right alongside orthodoxy. I found a church where human reason and common sense are honored, where the Gospel is preached, and where people are helped."

In 1994, Peter was diagnosed with leukemia and had to give up his job as rector of a parish in the Bronx. In 1998, he came to Holy Apostles. "When I first came here, I was very sick and didn't expect to live more than a couple of years. Yet despite my illness, the parish took me to its heart. I've found a real home here."

In 2000 Peter was treated with a new genetically engineered drug that has restored him to health -- at least for the time being. "No one is more surprised with how things have turned out than I am," he says. "Each new day gives me an opportunity to thank God for His generosity."

Peter acts as an assisting priest at Holy Apostles, helping the parish's full-time clergy in any way he can. "I particularly like preaching," he says, "and participating in our various adult education programs. And visiting the sick and shut-ins is also a deeply satisfying work for me."