Visiting Scholars

St. Vladimir’s Seminary welcomes visiting scholars for short-term visits and extended stays to conduct research in The Father Georges Florovsky Library and meet with members of the faculty, if requested. The Florovsky Library currently holds approximately 200,000 volumes and receives over 330 periodicals. This collection is considered one of the richest resources available on the North American continent for research on Eastern Christianity. It is especially strong in the areas of Orthodox church history, Orthodox theology, philosophy, and culture. In addition to the extensive collection of books and periodicals, the Library also possesses several important archival collections, including The Father Georges Florovsky PapersThe Father Alexander Schmemann Papers, and The Skvir–Buketoff Music Collection, as well as the Official Archives of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA; finding aid link here).

St. Vladimir's Seminary is able to host visiting scholars when classes are in session, from the beginning of September until mid-December, and from mid-January until the end of May. As a residential campus, the seminary's first priority is the well-being and safety of its students and their families, faculty, and staff. Therefore, space is limited and requests to visit are granted in accordance with the following procedures and under the conditions described below:

  • Approval of Request. All requests for short-term visits (of no more than three days) or extended stays at the seminary must be submitted for approval at least one month in advance to the Office of the President.
  • Letter of Reference. Requests for extended stays must include a letter of reference. The seminary will conduct a background check prior to such visits.
  • Purpose of Visit. Requests should explain the reason for the visit, which normally includes using the library and meeting with faculty, and must have the support of a faculty sponsor. Visitors who would like to attend classes, whether formally or informally, are encouraged to enroll in one of the seminary's degree programs, either the Master of Theology degree (an advanced theological degree normally completed in one academic year) or the Master of Arts degree (which may also be completed in one year by qualified students).
  • Accommodations. For on-campus accommodations, whether for short-term visits or extended stays, please email visitors@svots.edu to make arrangements. While on campus, visiting scholars are expected to follow all seminary policies and are encouraged to attend daily chapel services.
  • Visas. International visiting scholars are responsible for securing their own visa, as the seminary is only authorized to approve certification requests for an F-1 visa application for full-time students enrolled in one of its degree programs.
  • Background checks. Any visitor to St Vladimir's Seminary staying longer than three days must consent to a background check. This is in accordance with seminary, OCA, and federal policies.

A schedule of fees for on-campus accommodations and library circulation privileges is available upon request.

Transportation to and from the seminary is the responsibility of guests. Those who would like to visit the seminary and who require off-campus accomodations are encouraged to contact visitors@svots.edu for recommendations. St. Vladimir's enjoys a special relationship with the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites (559 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY 10710), which provides shuttle service to and from the seminary as well as an included breakfast, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool.

Dr Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie
575 Scarsdale Road
Yonkers, NY 10707
iatudorie@svots.edu