The week began on Sunday evening with a presentation by St. Vladimir's Dean The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, who spoke on the process of critically analyzing contemporary challenges in ministry, and developing robust and meaningful theological responses. The first full day of meetings began with a celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Three Hierarchs Chapel at which alumnus The Rev. Theophan Whitfield presided, and Assistant Professor of Homiletics and D.Min. Program Director The Rev. Dr. Sergius Halvorsen preached.
One of the highlights of the week was a meeting with several teens from neighboring Virgin Mary Church (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America) in Yonkers, where SVOTS alumnus The Rev. Charles Baz is pastor, and Christian Sayegh is Youth Director. The session was guided by Fr. Joseph, who for many years has served as the Antiochian Archdiocese's Chairman of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministries.
By the end of the week, the D.Min. students felt a combined sense of exhaustion and inspiration. Many commented on how powerfully they had been affected by their experience with the other members of the cohort. Speaking to the students, Fr. Joseph said, "Seeing you come together as a cohort during this week has revealed the profound beauty of your hearts."
Students also commented on how a program like the D.Min. gives them a rare opportunity to critically reflect on difficult questions, in an environment of spiritual support and academic rigor. Dr. Woloschak summarized the experience in this way: "I come away from this experience feeling truly enriched, and joyous. For a diverse group to come together like this, and have this kind of honest interaction about really important and difficult topics is a miracle. We should give thanks to God." Fellow instructor Fr. Joseph added, "I was deeply moved by the wealth of expertise and experience that the students have brought to these classes."
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. John Barnet noted, "This signals the full implementation of a degree program that was conceived, developed, accredited by the ATS, approved by New York State, funded by Protodeacon Peter Danilchick and his wife Tanya, and implemented—all in less than three years!"
With three weeks remaining in the D.Min. Winter Term, the students now return home to complete their semester projects. Following an academic calendar that is sensitive to the pastoral demands of the Orthodox liturgical year, the students will resume coursework in the Summer Term after Pascha.
Anyone interested in learning more about the D.Min. program or applying for the next cohort is invited to visit the DMin Program page, or contact Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, Director.
