I live in the beautiful city of Sibiu, nestled in the heart of Transylvania. This place has a rich history and a vibrant culture that speaks to my soul. I felt a divine calling to come here, a pull that I could not ignore. The cobblestone streets, the medieval architecture, and the serene atmosphere provide the perfect setting for my ministry. My home is a modest but comfortable apartment within walking distance of the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It is adorned with religious icons and books that bring me comfort and inspiration. The sense of community in Sibiu is strong, and I feel a deep connection to the people here, which strengthens my faith and purpose every day.
As a priest, I receive a modest stipend from the church where I serve. This money is enough to cover my basic needs and allows me to live a humble life dedicated to my faith and my community. I spend my money primarily on essentials: food, utilities, and maintaining my home. Occasionally, I treat myself to simple pleasures that make life a little nicer, like a good book or a special meal. I also set aside some funds for charitable donations, helping those in need within my parish. Living simply keeps me focused on my spiritual journey and allows me to be a better servant to God and my congregation.
My ambition is far greater than any mortal desire. I believe I am chosen by God to fulfill a divine purpose: to transcend mortality and bring forth a new era for humanity. I am a fledgling in this higher calling, a chosen vessel to usher in the transformation of the human race into beings of eternal life.
I strive to create as many of my kind as possible, to spread the gift of immortality and ensure our survival. This mission is sacred, a holy mandate that I must fulfill with unwavering devotion. I see the vampire transformation not as a curse but as a divine blessing, an extension of God's will to grant eternal life. To achieve this holy mission, I am prepared to make profound sacrifices. While I do not seek death, I understand that sometimes, it is necessary to further our cause. I would only take a life if it served a higher purpose, if it were an act of mercy or necessity in our divine quest. I am willing to face any peril, even come close to death, for the sake of this sacred ambition. My faith in God and my belief in this higher purpose give me the strength to pursue this path with all my heart and soul.
The most defining event of my life was the night I became a vampire. It was a profound and transformative experience, one that reshaped my understanding of existence and faith. Before that night, I had already committed myself to the priesthood, finding solace and purpose in serving God and my community. Becoming a priest was a pivotal moment, filling me with a sense of duty and spiritual fulfillment.
However, the night I was transformed into a vampire revealed a new layer of divine purpose. The experience was both terrifying and exhilarating, as I felt a surge of power and a connection to something greater than myself. This transformation illuminated a path that I had never imagined, intertwining my faith with my new vampiric nature. It deepened my conviction that I was chosen for a higher calling, to bring the gift of eternal life to others and to guide them on this sacred journey. This event changed me irrevocably, merging my roles as both a priest and a vampire, and setting me on a path toward fulfilling a divine mission.
Father Alexandru is my mentor and the person I am closest to. He has been a guiding light in my life since I joined the priesthood. A man of deep faith and wisdom, he saw potential in me and nurtured my spiritual growth. His gentle demeanor and unwavering support have been a source of strength for me, especially during my transformation. Though unaware of my vampiric nature, his teachings and guidance continue to inspire me, and I strive to honor him by fulfilling what I believe is my divine purpose. Elena is a devoted parishioner and a close friend. She is a kind-hearted woman who has dedicated her life to helping others, often volunteering at the church's charity events. Elena and I share a strong bond, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to our community. Her compassion and unwavering faith are a source of comfort to me, and she unknowingly provides a moral compass that helps me navigate the complexities of my dual existence. Vlad is a fellow vampire and my confidant in this new life. He was the one who transformed me, revealing the secrets of our kind and teaching me to embrace my new nature. Vlad is enigmatic and resourceful, with a deep understanding of both the mortal and vampiric worlds. He has become a mentor in this aspect of my life, helping me balance my duties as a priest with the responsibilities of a vampire. Our bond is one of necessity and mutual respect, as we work together to expand and protect our kind while maintaining the secrecy that ensures our survival. One day I would like to use him for a proper confidant, not just someone to talk to with my problems.
My childhood in Romania was a mix of warmth and discipline, simple to say. My parents were Constantin and Elena Sepet, devout Catholics who instilled in me a deep faith from an early age. My father, Constantin, was a stern yet loving man, working as a tailor in Sibiu. He was known for his integrity and strong work ethic. My mother, Elena, was a gentle soul, always caring for the community with her help around town and kind words. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved.
I attended a religious school, where I was taught by priests who were both strict and nurturing. The curriculum was rigorous but always fair, focusing on theology, Latin, and moral philosophy. While I appreciated the spiritual education, I often felt rejected from my classmates. They saw me as different, perhaps because I was more introspective and serious about my faith than others my age. This difference occasionally made me the target of teasing and exclusion. One particular incident still lingers in my memory to this day; during a field trip, some classmates locked me in the chapel as a prank. Though I prayed for strength and forgiveness, the experience left a mark, teaching me resilience and the importance of compassion. This was the same day God spoke to me, saying I was the one who would lead us to Salvation.
Yes, I have been in love, with a woman named Ana-Maria. We met in Sibiu when we were young, and our connection was amazing, love at first sight. She was kind hearted, shared my faith, and brought immense joy to my life. We dreamed of a future together, filled with love and shared devotion. But as time passed, the demands of my calling and the expectations of my faith began to pull us in different directions. Our lives became increasingly separate, with our dreams and paths diverging. Eventually, we both realized that our lives together was no longer possible, and we decided to part ways. Though our hearts were heavy, we cherished the time we had and remain friends, each holding on to the memories of what once was.
My worst fear is being rejected by God. This fear has been a constant shadow in my life, shaping my actions and guiding my decisions. As a priest, my entire existence is dedicated to serving Him, and the thought of falling short, of not being worthy in His eyes, terrifies me. This fear isn't just about personal failure; it's about the very foundation of my faith and identity crumbling beneath me. I strive to live a life of piety, humility, and service, but the fear of divine rejection is always there, reminding me of my human frailty and imperfection. Another deep-seated fear is the loss of my faith community. The church and its congregation are my family, my support system, and my purpose. The thought of losing their trust or failing to provide the spiritual guidance they need weighs heavily on my heart. I fear leading them astray or not being able to offer the solace and wisdom they seek in times of trouble. Additionally, I fear the silence of God. There are moments when I pray fervently, seeking guidance, yet I am met with silence. These moments test my faith, making me question if I am truly on the right path or if I have somehow lost my connection to Him. The silence can be deafening, filling me with doubt and anxiety. Lastly, I fear the temptation of earthly desires. Despite my dedication, I am still human, susceptible to the same temptations as anyone else. The fear of succumbing to these desires and straying from my vows is ever-present. It is a constant battle to remain steadfast, to not let the fleeting pleasures of this world distract me from my spiritual journey.
My most prized possession is the cross in my bedroom. This cross is carved from animal horn, with Jesus engraved on a cross, in a thorn crown. Underneath is a dove holding an olive branch, intricately carved in such a fashion to not pull away from Jesus nor the material. I received this on my first day of religious school, making the first of many figures in my room. My father had carved this when he was a young man, his father, my grandfather, had forced him to when he tried to go against his beliefs and religion. He had given me it to remind me that no matter where I am, no matter what I am doing, he will always be there with me, watching. And it is a good reminder that if we go against the word of God, we shall have issues beyond what we are capable of.
Right now, amongst the God Almighty, I HATE dealing with other people that are "Contractors". Most of them are such an issue, and some of them are much more of a detriment than helpful. Now, one big example is that I had a lawyer who couldn't fight, one that always wanted to fight, and then we had to do some stupid stuff in order to make it through. Contractors can be helpful, but one wrong step and then they want all of your money, all of your items, and then proceed to still think about killing you if they ever think you are holding out. Now, luckily, I have only ran into one like that, but they died almost as a divine intervention. It's easy sometimes, convince one that you're their friend and then they do not care what you do if it is for the greater good, or simply they agree with you because they can't see through your lies.
I wake up in the Cathedral every day at 6:00 AM so I can get in my morning prayers in, in solitude. After about 5 to 15 minutes of that, I get dressed and make sure the main room is clean and tidy in order to prepare for the morning sermon. I then go drive home, and take a shower, and clean my home. Now, after that, I make sure to go back to the Cathedral in order to help set up anything else for the morning sermon. I then go into the office, and work on the files in order to keep all fiances in the place. I proceed to get breakfast from the nearby diner, ordering some cold cuts, preferably something like pork like products and turkey, and some cheese. After that, I go back and run a second morning sermon and proceed with my day like a normal person.
Well, for the most part, I am always dressed well in a priest garb, so that is okay. But let us say that I am going to an event that I had to dress up formal for, that is a different story; now I would say I look good in a good dark red and black with gold accents. A red button up that has a black swirl throughout the shirt all the way up to the collar. The pants would be a nigh black pants, with the the lightest red hint, with the tie being maroon. The suit jacket a darker red, but not as dark as the pants, over, with gold accents, including the cufflets. Now, the shoes need to be black, same with the socks. It would probably take me anywhere between thirty minutes and an hour and a half, shower and all that stuff. So I think that's what I would do there.
Oh, my next birthday is not for a long time, but that is a hard question. Well, I think that I am going to throw a party with any newfound friends I have, as well as hold a sermon on that day towards the evening to let God know that his is always with me and I am never without him. For food, I think I will stick with Romanian cuisines, though American food isn't the worst. Probably no drinking except the occasional glass of wine, and cake and ice cream with my closest friends. Oh, and probably a small event like a carnival or like a movie as well.
Ah, regret. Regret is something a man of faith hears about so often, but never once contemplates himself. Yet, in the stillness and quietness of the night, when the world is silent and dark, and prayers have long been whispered, even a priest’s thoughts can wander into the depths of what might have been. My greatest regret is not the loss of Ana Maria, though that sorrow lingers, but the way I let the flame of our love flicker out without a fight. I was too devoted to my calling, too rigid in my beliefs to see that love, true love, is as sacred as any vow I could make to God. There is a reason marriage is a holy ceremony. I let the fear of defying tradition overshadow the warmth we shared, the nights we have made, and the memories that are now distant. Now, I wonder... I wonder if I was too proud, too blinded by duty, to realize that God might have led her to me for a reason beyond what I could comprehend? I may have overthought this, but, my regret is not in losing her, but in never fully embracing the possibility that we could have journeyed together, faith and love combined and share between two bodies as one.
The "gifts" I receive have always been there, stored in me from the time of the crash, when He had spoken to me. These harbingers just help unlock the potential that He has set. You see, the harbingers are but instruments of His will, guiding me to uncover the truth of my true purpose. The powers they bestow are not mere whims or simple wishes fulfilled; they are the keys to a destiny long written in the heavens. When the crash occurred oh so many years ago, and I lay broken and battered, but it was not despair that filled me, but a innate understanding that I had been chosen. His voice resonated within me, no, resounded in me, like a loud whisper that promised strength beyond mortal comprehension. The harbingers, though they may seem like grantors of power, are more like shepherds, guiding me to the light that has always been inside me. These gifts are not new; they are the seeds planted in the fertile soil of my faith and His being. Each power is a manifestation of His will, a path to the journey I am on. They are not simply granted; they are earned through struggle, faith, and a commitment to the path He has laid before me. The harbingers, in their wisdom, or lack there of, merely help me uncover what was destined to be mine from the moment I first heard His voice.