More than thirty-five St. Vladimir's Seminary alumni, representing twelve graduating classes, as well as friends and prospective seminarians, gathered at St. Joseph Church, Wheaton, Illinois for a Bright Friday dinner sponsored by the SVOTS Alumni Association. Archpriest Alexander Rentel, assistant professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies at the seminary, together with Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak, director of Alumni Relations, joined the group for an evening of prayer, fellowship, and good food.
Father Alexander gave a short presentation on the current state of the seminary and spoke about exciting programs and projects planned for the future. Protodeacon Joseph spoke briefly about the plans of the Alumni Association for the upcoming 75th Anniversary Year commemorating the founding St. Vladimir's (2013). Protodeacon Joseph also thanked the alumni for their good work in supporting the seminary, especially in terms of identifying young men and women interested in a seminary education, and he reported an increase in inquiries and applications to the seminary for the coming academic year over last year.
The dinner was facilitated by the rector of St. Joseph Church, Archpriest John Matusiak, with help and support from the parishoners of the parish.