Introducing Ian Gordon

Date: August 3, 2009
Time: 7:45 PM
Weight: 7 lbs, 9 oz
Length: 21 inches
Apgar: 9 and 9



About Ian’s name

Ian is the Scottish form of “John” which is of Hebrew origin and means "the Lord is gracious". We chose a variant of John in honor of St. John the Merciful (also known as St. John the Almsgiver), who is commemorated by the Orthodox on November 12.

St. John the Merciful was the Patriarch of Alexandria in the early 7th century, and earned his name because of his reputation for unfailing compassion for others, humility and generosity in his work for Christ through the church. Where his contemporaries saw trickery and abuse of generosity by a man who came in disguise seeking alms, John saw Christ and gave over and over again. With all of the riches of the church at his disposal, he lived simply and gave generously from the church coffers in faith that God would supply what was given away — with interest. When a conflict with a brother priest who had erred and had been disciplined for his shortcoming kept that man from repentance, John left the gifts at the altar, in obedience to Matthew 5:24, and prostrated himself before his brother to beg forgiveness, even though he had not been in the wrong. John’s humble action moved the man to repentance and reconciliation and a restoration of his ministry. John lived mindful of his mortality, and had his own grave partially dug prematurely, asking to be reminded on every great occasion that his grave awaited him and that he knew not the hour of his death (Matthew 25). St. John dedicated himself to Christian education, to the freeing of those in slavery, and to service of the sick and needy. Under his leadership, the number of churches in Alexandria swelled from 7 to 70. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Merciful, http://orthodoxwiki.org/John_the_Merciful)

Needless to say, we would love for Ian to follow in the footsteps of this godly man, as he followed Christ.

Gordon is a family name. Gordon is from Gaelic origins, among others, and one of its meanings is “beloved.”

Ian’s paternal grandfather, who passed away while we were pregnant with Ian, was named Gordon. Ian’s maternal grandfather, Ronald, also bears the name Gordon, but as a middle name. We wished to honor our fathers, both of whom have also dedicated their lives to Christ, by giving Ian their shared name.

Indeed, this child is beloved, and he is an example of the graciousness of God in our lives. We are incredibly blessed.