The Board of Trustees at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) welcomed four new trustees in November 2022: Dr Nick Pandelidis, Fr Mihai Faur, The Right Reverend Archimandrite Jeremy (Davis), and David Solheim. The board ratified the new elections in a virtual session, chaired by SVOTS President, The Very Rev. Dr Chad Hatfield.
The new trustees represent a range of Orthodox jurisdictions and professional backgrounds, adding their experience to the already distinguished group of leaders who guide the work of St Vladimir’s Seminary.
The Right Reverend Archimandrite Jeremy (Davis) is Protosyngellos and Assistant to the Metropolitan at the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. He previously served at Antiochian parishes in Oklahoma for fifteen years and holds an M.Div. from St Vladimir's (2004). He is the author of Welcoming Gifts: Sacrifice in the Bible and Christian Life (Ancient Faith, 2022). Fr Jeremy joins the board as a way to help further the work of his alma mater, saying, "My studies at Saint Vladimir's deepened my faith and equipped me for ministry. I am honored to help the seminary continue that mission for future generations."
Fr Mihai Faur is a finance executive at UiPath, a co-founder in start-ups, and priest at Holy Brancoveanu Martyrs Romanian Orthodox Church in Fairfield, CT; he is married and has 4 children. Fr Mihai feels that it will be a "great opportunity to join SVOTS Board of Trustees and a unique chance to help and support the management in different matters, especially in those related to finance. Also, this will allow me to contribute with any help possible for the greater good of the Orthodox Church in general."
Dr Nicholas Pandelidis is returning to serve as a SVOTS Trustee, after previously serving for 15 years (2005-2020). He is a founding member of OSS Health, and a member of St John Chrysostom Orthodox Church and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in York, PA.
David Solheim is a Saint Vladimir's Seminary alumnus (2022), a corporate executive, and he currently serves as chairman of a private foundation. David takes up the responsibility of trustee at St Vladimir’s Seminary with joy, saying, “The time students spend at seminary is crucial in their formation and preparation for service in God's vineyard. I am grateful for the opportunity to help them meet the challenges that lie ahead.”
Chair of the Trusteeship Committee, David Hicks, commented on the election of the new members, extending “a warm welcome to new members of the SVOTS board and heartfelt thanks for agreeing to join the good work of the Seminary at this critical moment in its history.” David emphasized the importance of these new elections: “Our growing Church's demand for priests has never been greater, nor has our faltering culture's need for the voice and wisdom of our Ancient Faith. To meet these pressing needs and challenges, our board has unanimously voted to find a more suitable location and move the Seminary from its limited space and aging campus in Yonkers. As we undertake this journey, your guidance and support will be critical. Please pray for us as we will for you.”
Executive Chair, Dn Michael Hyatt, built on the thoughts expressed by David Hicks, and expressed his gratitude for the service commitment made by the new members, writing, “with the current clergy shortage reaching critical levels and the challenges of an increasingly secular society, the Seminary’s mission is more relevant and urgent than ever. That’s why it’s so important that the SVOTS Board of Trustees is made up of committed leaders eager to share their knowledge, experience, and networks to collectively build up and propel the seminary forward.”
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