Archimandrite Gerasim [Eliel], seminary alumnus (’12), was nominated at a special Assembly of the Diocese of the South, Orthodox Church in America (OCA), on February 16, 2015, to fill the vacant See of Dallas and the South as its hierarch. Father Gerasim received 81 votes on the first ballot—more than the required two-thirds majority to be nominated—with the remainder of the votes divided between four other candidates. His name will be submitted to the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops for canonical election at their spring session in March 2015.
As valedictorian of the Class of 2012, Father Gerasim delivered the Valedictory Address, and at Commencement he was awarded triple honors: magna cum laude academic standing; a commendation for his contribution to community life; and a commendation for his Master of Divinity thesis, titled, “Russian Icons in a Native Church: Conflict in Culture in Western Alaska.”
From 2000 until 2009 Father Gerasim served as Abbot of St. Herman of Alaska Monastery, under the Serbian Orthodox Church. After his graduation from St. Vladimir’s, he served for one year as assistant priest at Holy Virgin Mary Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA. Since September 2013 Father Gerasim has served as rector of St. Seraphim Cathedral, Dallas, TX.
The seminary community congratulates Father Gerasim on his nomination, and wishes him God’s blessing.
