Orthodox Education Day, the annual open house of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 1. The events of the day have been moved forward into the afternoon and evening, out of respect for a neighborhood fireman who was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday morning, September 27, during an explosion in the Bronx.
Battalion Chief Michael Fahy, of Battalion 19, died when he was struck by debris from the blast. He was a 17-year veteran of the FDNY, joining in 1999. Chief Fahy lived with his wife and three children in Crestwood, the section of Yonkers that also encompasses the Seminary property. His funeral, which will take place on October 1, at Annunciation-Our Lady of Fatima Parish just one block from the Seminary, is expected to draw up to 10,000 mourners, including firefighters from around the globe.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to Chief Fahy’s family at this time,” said Archpriest Chad Hatfield, CEO of the Seminary.
“We would not want our festivities and the crowds associated with our own Orthodox Education Day in any way to place an extra burden on them as they mourn their beloved husband and father, and as their friends and family, and fellow firefighters, gather to be with them,” he explained. “Therefore, we are readjusting our Ed Day schedule to accommodate them, as we cooperate with local authorities who are coordinating the funeral preparations for Chief Fahy.
“We will light a vigil candle for the Fahy family on that day in our own Three Hierarchs Chapel, and will keep them in prayer,” he added. “May our Lord Jesus Christ be their strength and comfort.”
“Finally,” said Fr. Chad, “We have been assured by local authorities that our Ed Day visitors will be welcome in the neighborhood by 2:30 p.m., and we hope they still will loyally support the Seminary by coming onto campus and enjoying the afternoon and evening with us.”
Download the revised schedule for Orthodox Education Day, here.
(NOTE: In case you arrive earlier than 2 p.m. to the Yonkers/Crestwood area, please proceed to the Seminary via Central Park Avenue on to Alta Vista Drive. Then turn left on to Avondale Road, right on on to Pietro Drive, and then turn right on to Maria Lane. The Seminary entrance will be on the left hand side. Local authorities advise this would be the fastest route earlier in the day.)
