Greene County News
BEAVERCREEK — A dream all the way from Ukraine blossoms in America.
Mariya Marton’s parents dreamed of a life of opportunity in America for their children. Their determination would lead their daughter to her life’s mission helping others as Soin Medical Center’s new chaplain.
“When I heard about the opportunity with Soin, I knew this was it. I felt as though I was destined for this,” said Mariya.
Born in Romania, a young Mariya would strive to help others, even if it meant giving them food from her own family’s table. “From a young age my heart was about helping people and showing them compassion,” she said.
Grateful for her parents’ diligence she explained just how difficult it was for her family in Romania. “The Ukraine is completely different from the United States. We had a very weak economy. It was hard to get food; not to mention, we could not become a teacher, a lawyer – no matter how talented we were. My parents knew we had to come to America in order for us to realize a successful life, “she said.
“My mother was always working in the field. When my father became sick, all five of us children had to work extra hard to provide for the family. But my parents did not give up – they worked hard and wanted us to come here. It took two to three years, but we made it.”
Mariya has been in the United States for over 20 years. She attended training The Ohio State University and followed with seminary in Ashland. After completing her education she knew she wanted to be part of a hospital ministry.
“Hospital ministry seemed natural for me,” she said. “I want to be part of healing the whole person.”
That’s when she received chaplaincy training through Kettering Health Network and began her ministry at Soin.
“I believe being a chaplain must come from within, one must have a heart and compassion for others,” Mariya said. “Your mission should be to share in their journey and help them through it with love in your heart.”
Soin’s new chaplain lives in Springboro with husband Edward who is also a minister; son Levi, 10 and daughter, Leyla, 8. Mariya has spent the majority of her time in Ohio and feels quite at home here.
“I get up in the morning and it’s wonderful. I love coming to Soin, serving the spiritual needs of the people,” she said. “I enjoy what I do. I continue to develop compassion and love for people in my work. I pray for and with them. I want them to know someone is here for them. I want them to feel that this ministry comes from the heart.”
