Twenty-srs of Arts degrees were conferred.
Commencement crowned the week's celebrations, during which one student was ordained to the priesthood, four were ordained to the diaconate, three were elevated as sub-deacons, and two were tonsured as readers (see that story here); the Dean, Archpriest John Behr, received the honor of wearing the jeweled cross; the Chapel Ecclesiarch, Priest Alexander Rentel, was elevated to the rank of Archpriest; and the Director of Recruitment and Alumni Relations, Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak, was awarded a kamilavka.
Metropolitan Jonah, primate of the Orthodox Church in America and president of the seminary’s Board of Trustees, opened the Commencement Exercises. Class Valedictorian this year was Michael John Soroka, and the newly ordained Deacon David Wooten was Salutatorian; both demonstrated not only scholarly acumen but also exceptional service to the community. The “Saint Basil Award for Academic Achievement” was presented to both Andrew Smith and Monk Kilian (Sprecher).
Another highlight of the Commencement program was the conferral of the honorary degree of Doctor of Sacred Music upon David Drillock, who served as Commencement Speaker this year. Dr. Drillock is Professor of Music, emeritus, from St. Vladimir’s, and is well known in Orthodox Christian circles for his extensive influence on liturgical music in North America. Editions of his books continue to provide foundational and sound liturgical music adaptations in the English language for parish choirs. The citation honoring Professor Drilock was read by Dr. John Barnet, associate dean for Academic Affairs.
The entire campus community wishes the Class of 2011 many years!
[Photos in this article are by Robert Lisak]
View the entire Commencement Program booklet. Listen to the Commencement Program and Professor David Drillock's address. Read Professor Drillock's address: "Heaven on Earth: Singing with the Angels." See a photo gallery of the day, by Robert Lisak.
