Brother Marc was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1942, and is the eldest of eight brothers and sisters. He grew up in the countryside above Coraopolis, Pa. As a youngster, he gardened and raised animals; played the clarinet, piano, bugle, harmonica, and guitar; and later became an Eagle Scout. He grew up Roman Catholic, served in church on a daily basis during grade school, and expressed a strong desire to pursue the priesthood.

In high school he joined the newsletter staff and Gregorian chant schola, and in college was editor of its newsletter, photographer for the senior yearbook, and member of the Slavonic choir. After his novitiate in religious life, and finishing his degree in philosophy, Brother Marc became a founding member of the Monks of New Skete, while pursuing theology studies.

He has directed the monastic choir and cantored at the New Skete divine services; was instrumental in forming the liturgy and art department and making and selling mounted icon plaques; and served as editor and designer for its publications since its beginning in 1966.

Brothers Marc and Stavros raised dairy cattle, with several local farming couples teaching them the basics. For many years he raised a garden at the monastery, and has taken care of many of its dogs and their puppies. "I assisted and watched with amazement as each pup was born and day by day began developing its own unique personality. It was up to me to nurture and guide them!"

In 1973, Brother Marc became editor of New Skete's journal, Gleanings, which was started by Brother Thomas. In 1977, Brother Marc was ordained a deacon and then assistant priest for New Skete. He designed and engineered the monastery buildings while working with the other monks and nuns building them.

He explains, "I always had a love for drawing and architecture, and how things were put together, so I dug up some old engineering books and studied them at night while working on the sketches or plans we needed, because we were already measuring out the foundations. It was crucial to show visibly and physically who we are, that we were utterly serious in our commitment. I enjoyed most of all working on the church buildings and kennel."

Brother Marc also enjoys singing with the Battenkill Chorale in Cambridge, photography, cooking, baking, hiking, canoeing and camping.