With faith in Christ and hope in the resurrection, we share news of the repose of St. Vladimir’s Seminary Trustee Emeritus Mitchell Zunich. Zunich, 93, died on the Feast of Holy Pascha, Sunday, April 19, at his home at St. Mary of the Woods Assisted Living in Avon, OH.

Zunich was born May 10, 1926 in Lorain, OH. He served with the US Army during World War II in the 357th Regiment of the 90th Infantry Division. During his service, he participated in the battles of Rhineland and Central Europe and received the European-African-Middle-Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, a WWII Victory Medal and an Occupation Medal for Germany. His division was awarded the Bronze Star and participated in the liberation of Flossenburg Concentration Camp. Zunich attended the Ohio State University where he earned a bachelor of science in accounting. He founded Mitchell Zunich & Co. Certified Public Accountants, retiring in 2001. He was active in the community, having served as an officer, president, and board member of many organizations including the Lorain Rotary Club, Lorain Salvation Army, Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority, the City Bank Co., Lorain Family YMCA, Clearview School Board, and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. In the 1990s, Mitchell and his wife, Violet, helped establish a scholarship for Serbian Orthodox seminarians at St. Vladimir’s so that no young Serbian Orthodox men would be turned away from becoming priests. Zunich was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Lorain, the Serbian National Federation, the Ohio Society of CPAs, and the AICPA.

"Mitch was honored to be on the Seminary’s Board of Trustees," said fellow St. Vladimir's Trustee Emeritus Brian Gerich. "He served many years as one of the four Serbian trustees along with [Trustee Emeritus] Alex Machaskee, Leon Lysaght, and myself.

"During our 1990’s Capital Campaign, I asked Mitch to join with me in establishing endowments for scholarships for Serbian Orthodox students studying to become priests. He immediately accepted, and he and his beloved wife Violet added to their endowment regularly. Mitch was pleased to know that as students graduated they were debt free as they prepared for a lifetime of serving our Lord."

"I remember Mitch as a quiet, decisive, compassionate gentleman who was a staunch supporter of our Orthodox Christian faith and a great contributor of time, talent, and treasure to St. Vladimir's Seminary," added Alex Machaskee. "He was a founding contributor to Monastery Marcha in Richfield Ohio, a decorated veteran of World War II, and a highly esteemed civic leader."

Mitchell Zunich is survived by his sons, Mitch Zunich of Cleveland and Rob (Eva) Zunich of Avon Lake; grandchildren, Neven, Dane, Rada, and Mila Zunich; and sister, Sophie Tyrin of Chicago. Zunich was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Violet M. Zunich (née Kobac) on Sept 7, 2014; infant son, Nick Zunich, in 1959; parents, Nikola & Stanka Zunich (née Kunic); brothers, Demeter, George, Nick, and Mike Zunich; and sisters, Mildred Stamatis, Dorothy Kovan, Nellie Raynovich, and Mary Zunich.

Due to restrictions on social gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, private family funeral services will be held. Hieromonk Nektarije Tesanovic of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church will preside with burial to follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain. Memorial contributions may be made to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 3355 Grove Ave, Lorain, OH, 44055 or St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, 575 Scarsdale Rd, Yonkers, NY, 10707. Arrangements are under the direction of Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net. 

May the memory of Mitchell Zunich be eternal!

-- 

(The photo and some information in this article have been reprinted from The Morning Journal.)

Attend the 2026 Summer Music Institute

We are excited to announce the return of St. Vladimir’s Seminary’s Summer Music Institute, to be held on campus from June 23–27, 2026, with pre-institute intensive June 22–23.

This year’s Institute will celebrate and explore the planting, cultivation, and flourishing of Orthodox musical traditions in North America, and the musicians who laid the groundwork for the English language liturgical singing of today. Teachers and experts including Alexander Lingas, Vladimir Morosan, Photini Downie Robinson, Juliana Woodill, and Alice Hughes will lead courses of study on vocal technique and choral conducting, as well as advanced seminars on Orthodox music. Come worship, build skills, and enjoy fellowship together!

Learn More & Register to Attend

About the Institute of Sacred Arts

The Institute of Sacred Arts (ISA) at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary explores the intersection of human creativity and holiness. With a theology that is holistic, and a liturgy that unites multiple artistic disciplines and all the human senses, the Orthodox Christian tradition is ripe for the exploration and celebration of the sacred arts. Since its founding in 1938, St. Vladimir’s Seminary has fostered the study of icons, music and liturgy. The ISA serves to extend the seminary’s mission in exploring the mutual relationship between theology and the arts by: contributing to the work of people and institutions that practice and reflect on the sacred arts; engaging people and institutions of all backgrounds with Orthodox artistic tradition; inspiring wider public interest in spirituality and the arts. Learn more at www.instituteofsacredarts.com.

Throughout its history, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary has served, and continues to serve, as a training ground for Orthodox men and women, preparing them to serve the Church in its many ministries. The Church needs bishops, priests, and deacons, as well as scholars, teachers, catechists, choir directors, and educated leaders of many kinds. 

If you feel called to ministry in the Church, are interested in broadening your understanding and experience of the Orthodox Christian Faith, are curious about what seminary life is like, or are planning to apply for the Fall 2026 Semester, then please join us on campus at the St. Vladimir’s Seminary Winter Admissions Open House on February 15-16, 2026.

At this Open House, prospective seminarians are invited to experience “life at St. Vladimir’s” in its many facets. Worship with the seminary community in the chapel, attend classes, speak with seminarians and professors about the spiritual, academic, and residential life at the seminary, and, if applying, schedule interviews. Come and see if St. Vladimir’s Seminary is the place for you!

Transportation: Open House attendees will be responsible for their transportation to and from the seminary. 

Arrival & Meals: Attendees are welcome to arrive as early as Saturday, February 14 and to stay through Tuesday, February 17. Meals during the official Open House, February 15–16, will be provided free of charge. If your stay extends beyond these dates in either direction, meals will be available for purchase.

Housing: Pending available space, attendees may request to be housed on-campus on a first-come, first-served basis for free, at the invitation of St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Alternatively, rooms may be booked at the Hampton Inn & Suites Yonkers-Westchester; a block rate is available until January 31, 2026.

Registration Deadline: The registration deadline is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. 

Register Here

2026 Winter Open House Schedule

Sunday, February 15

9:00 a.m. — Divine Liturgy at Three Hierarchs Chapel

10:30 a.m. — Coffee hour & fellowship in the Chapel Basement

11:30 a.m. — Lunch provided in Germack Refectory

1:30 p.m. — Group Discussion with the Director of Admissions in Gerich Board Room (Rangos Building) 

• Why Seminary?
• Degree Programs
• Tuition & Financial Aid
• Housing
• Admissions Process
• Discussion

3:00 p.m. — Tour of Campus

4:00 p.m. — Q&A with Current Seminarians in Germack Common Room

5:00 p.m. — Dinner in Germack Refectory

Evening — Informal Activities (TBD): socialize, explore the area, rest!

Monday, February 16 - A Day at Seminary

7:30 a.m. — Daily Matins at Three Hierarchs Chapel

8:15 a.m. — Breakfast in Germack Refectory

9:00 a.m. — Faculty Roundtable in the Gerich Boardroom (Rangos Building)

10:30 a.m. — Attend classes or schedule individual meetings

12:15 p.m. — Lunch in Germack Refectory

1:00 p.m. — Attend Choir Rehearsal (optional)

2:00 p.m. — Attend classes or schedule individual meetings

5:00 p.m. — Daily Vespers at Three Hierarchs Chapel

5:45 p.m. — Dinner in Germack Refectory

*This is the official end of the Open House; if you would like to stay through the the morning of Tuesday, February 17, please let us know, especially if you would like to attend one of the classes, schedule a meeting with the Director of Admissions, and/or have any meals in the refectory.

Tuesday, February 17

7:30 a.m. — Daily Matins at Three Hierarchs Chapel

8:15 a.m. — Breakfast in Germack Refectory

9:15 a.m. — Attend classes or schedule individual meetings

12:15 p.m. — Lunch in Germack Refectory

A joint tribute by St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University

Join us for a two-day commemoration honoring the 100th birthday of Fr. John Meyendorff (February 17, 1926–July 22, 1992), one of the most influential Orthodox theologians of the twentieth century.

A scholar of extraordinary range, Fr. John shaped the study of Byzantine theology, Orthodox ecclesiology, and ecumenical dialogue for generations. His dual role as Dean and Professor at St. Vladimir’s Seminary and Professor of Byzantine History at Fordham University made him a unique bridge between Orthodox theological education and the broader academic world. This joint tribute honors that legacy at both institutions where he left an indelible mark.
 

Register to Attend in Person or Online
 

Friday, February 6 | St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

5:30 PM — Memorial service in the Seminary Chapel followed by reflections on Fr. John’s legacy:

• His Grace Bishop Irinej (Dobrijevic), Bishop of Eastern America, Serbian Orthodox Church
• Dr. Vera Shevzov, Professor of Religion and Director of the Program in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, Smith College
• Dr. Paul Meyendorff, Father Alexander Schmemann Professor of Liturgical Theology Emeritus, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

Reception to follow, open to all.

Saturday, February 7 | Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus

9:00 AM — Breakfast and coffee 

9:30 AM–12:00 PM — Academic Symposium: “Orthodoxy, Byzantium, and the Rise of Russia Revisited”

Speakers:

• Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie, President, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary
• Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou, Professor of Theology and Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture, Fordham University
• Dr. Nadieszda Kizenko, Professor of History, University at Albany
• Dr. Dimiter Angelov, Dumbarton Oaks Professor of Byzantine History, Harvard University
• Dr. Tikhon Alexander Pino, Director of the Pappas Patristic Institute, Hellenic College Holy Cross

Attendance at this joint, two-day event is free and open to the public.

Fr Alexander Schmemann Memorial Lecture

Renowned Orthodox scholar and author the Very Rev. Dr. Andrew Louth will deliver the 43rd Annual Father Alexander Schmemann Memorial Lecture at St. Vladimir’s Seminary on Friday, January 30, 2026, on the Feast of the Three Hierarchs.

The lecture is free and open to the public to attend in person or online. It begins at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST.

Register to Attend in Person or Online
 

Fr. Andrew’s lecture is titled, “Shadows and Darkness in Patristic Theology.”

“Orthodox Theology is often regarded, by ourselves and others, as essentially ‘apophatic,’” writes Fr. Andrew. “Even though the language of apophatic/cataphatic was only introduced into Greek Patristic theology by Dionysios the Areopagite, a negative theology of an unknowable God already had a long history. There has, however, been a tendency to see Greek Patristic theology from the perspective of Neoplatonic apophaticism, and overlook the various ways in which shadows and darkness feature in the Fathers. This lecture is an attempt to redress this.”

The Schmemann Lecture is part of St. Vladimir’s Seminary’s yearly celebration of the feast of our chapel patrons, the Three Hierarchs: Holy and Ecumenical Teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon will preside over Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. that morning at Three Hierarchs Chapel. A light reception will follow the lecture. 

About Fr. Andrew Louth

The Very Rev. Dr. Andrew Louth is Professor Emeritus, University of Durham; Honorary Fellow of the St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Fellow of the British Academy; and Archpriest Emeritus of the Diocese of Sourozh (Moscow Patriarchate). Author of several books, including The Origins of the Christian Mystical Tradition: from Plato to Denys (1981; revised ed., 2007); Denys the Areopagite (1989); St John Damascene: Tradition and Originality in Byzantine Theology (2002); SVS Press’s Greek East and Latin West: the Church ad 681–1071, The Church in History, vol. III (2007); Modern Orthodox Thinkers: from the Philokalia to the present (2015); and numerous articles, a selection of which can be found in Selected Essays, in two volumes: I. Studies in Patristics; II. Studies in Theology, edited by Lewis Ayres and John Behr (2023).

Giving glory and thanksgiving to God, more seminarians and alumni were ordained to holy orders at the conclusion of 2025 and the start of the new year. In addition, two alumni priests were elevated in rank.

HOLY PRIESTHOOD

In east Africa, Seminary alumnus Dn. Richard Okello (M.Div. ’25) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on December 28 at the newly consecrated Holy Temple of St. Nicholas in Akonyibedo, Gulu City, Uganda. Father Richard serves the Holy Diocese of Gulu and Northern Uganda (Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria). His ordination was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Symeon of Fthiotida (Church of Greece).

On the Feast of Theophany, January 6, third-year seminarian Dn. Jarrod Huffman (M.Div. program) was ordained a priest by the hands of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel. The newly ordained Fr. Jarrod is a seminarian of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the Midwest. The ordination took place at Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago.

HOLY DIACONATE

Another alumnus, Subdeacon Subin Shaji (M.Div. ’22), was ordained to the Holy Diaconate a few days earlier on January 3. Deacon Subin’s ordination was presided over by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America.

Third-year seminarian Emil Prisquilas Peter (M.Div. program) was tonsured a subdeacon in his native India, at St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral in Kalyan West in the greater Mumbai area. Subdeacon Emil is attached to the Diocese of Bombay of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, under His Grace Bishop Geevarghese Mar Coorilos.

ELEVATIONS

Two alumni of the Antiochian Archdiocese were elevated to the dignity of Archpriest. Father Lucas Rice (M.Div. ’11) was elevated by His Eminence Metropolitan Saba during His Eminence’s visit to Fr. Lucas’s parish, St. Michael Church of Louisville, KY, Jan. 2–4. 

Metropolitan Saba then traveled to St. James Church of Loveland, OH, Jan. 4–5, where he elevated its pastor, Fr. Nabil Fino. Father Nabil studied at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 2002 and 2003, following his graduation from Birmingham Theological Seminary.

May God continue to guide their ministries and grant them all many years!

Two St. Vladimir’s Seminary alumni were ordained in recent weeks in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

On November 8, Dn. Geevarghese (Argey) George was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by the hands of His Grace Thomas Mar Ivanios, Bishop of the South-West American Diocese. The ordination took place at Fr. Geevarghese’s home parish, St. Mary’s Malankara Orthodox Church in Farmers Branch, TX. 

The Rev. Geevarghese studied for three years in the Seminary’s Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program, and completed his third year in 2025. He has been assigned as Pastor of St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church in Pompano Beach, FL.

Alumnus Subdn. Mathew (Royce) Mathew was ordained to the diaconate on Saturday, December 13. His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, bishop of the Northeast American Diocese and appointed hierarch on the Seminary’s Board of Trustees, presided over the ordination at the chapel of the diocesan chancery in Muttontown, NY.

The Rev. Dn. Mathew graduated from the Seminary with an M.Div. degree in 2020. Originally hailing from Maryland, Dn. Mathew now lives in New York and is attached to St. Andrew Malankara Orthodox Church in Glenwood Landing, NY, and St. Luke the Evangelist Malankara Orthodox Mission Church, Bensalem, PA.

May God grant Fr. Geevarghese, Dn. Mathew, and their families many years!

The final weeks of the Seminary’s fall semester were filled with blessings and joy, as five seminarians were ordained to holy orders. The new priests and deacons are all seminarians of the Antiochian Archdiocese. In addition, at one of the ordinations an alumnus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary was elevated in rank. Glory be to God!

The first of the recent ordinations took place on Thursday, November 20. Deacon Nathan Jekel (M.Div., ’26) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by the hands of His Grace Bishop Thomas at St. Philip Orthodox Church in Souderton, PA.

A few days later, on November 23, His Eminence Metropolitan Saba ordained Subdn. Andrew Neel (M.Div., ’27) to the Holy Diaconate at St. Stephen the Protomartyr Antiochian Orthodox Church in South Plainfield, NJ. Deacon Andrew’s newly ordained classmate, Fr. Nathan, was among the members of the Seminary community who attended the ordination, which also included Fr. Michael Nasser and Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie.

On December 5, His Eminence Metropolitan Saba ordained Dn. Nicholas Aultman (M.Div. ’26) to the Holy Priesthood at Virgin Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Yonkers, NY. Father Michael, Dr. Tudorie, and several other seminarians and alumni were present. During the Liturgy, His Eminence also elevated Seminary Alumnus Dn. Elias Nicolas (M.A., ’19) to the dignity of archdeacon. 

Metropolitan Saba ordained two more seminarians as deacons that very weekend. On December 6, Subdn. Sophrony (Scott) Strickland (M.Div. ’27) was ordained at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY. Seminarian John Whiteside was ordained to the Diaconate the next day, December 7, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Little Falls, NJ.

May God grant the newly ordained and their families many years!

Photo Credits: Dn. Sophrony Strickland (Aultman & Neel ordinations); Seminarian Christopher Whittington (Whiteside ordination);  Antiochian.org/Subdn. Andrea Christoforides (Strickland ordination).

Over the summer and fall semester of 2025, two new bishops, seven new priests, and six new deacons were added to St Vladimir’s Seminary’s student body and alumni fellowship. Another was elevated in rank. 

We keep them all in prayer as they continue in their ministries!

HOLY EPISCOPACY

Bishop Vasily (Permiakov) (M.Div. ’04; Asst. Prof. of Liturgical Theology, 2020–2025)
Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America
Holy Episcopacy: Ordained 16 Aug 2025 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, CA
Current Ministry: Bishop of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West; Part-Time Faculty, St. Vladimir’s Seminary

(Photo: romfea.gr)

Bishop Philip Mugadizi (M.Div. ’03)
Jurisdiction: Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria
Holy Episcopacy: Ordained 25 November 2025 at the Holy Patriarchal Church of Saint Nicholas in Hamzawi, Cairo, Egypt
Current Ministry: Bishop of the Orthodox Diocese of Kisumu and Western Kenya; Deputy Dean and Lecturer at the Orthodox Patriarchal Ecclesiastical School of Makarios III Archbishop of Cyprus in Nairobi, Kenya

HOLY PRIESTHOOD

Priest Benedict (Benjamin) Andersen (M.Div. ’05) 
Jurisdiction: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Holy Priesthood: Vested as a priest 13 July 2025 at St. Spyridon Orthodox Church, Loveland, CO
Current Ministry: Assigned to Ss. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Boulder, CO, and St. Spyridon Orthodox Church in Loveland, CO

(Photo: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church)

Priest Michael Azar (M.A., ’05)
Jurisdiction: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Holy Priesthood: Ordained 20 July 2025 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Casper, WY
Current Ministry: Professor of Theology/Religious Studies at the University of Scranton 

Priest Andrew Dunks (Non-Degree Track)
Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America
Holy Priesthood: Ordained 24 August 2025 at St. Cyprian of Carthage Church, Midlothian, VA
Current Ministry: Attached to St. Cyprian of Carthage Church, Midlothian, VA

Priest Geevarghese (Argey) George (Former M.Div. Student)
Jurisdiction: Diocese of South-West America, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Holy Priesthood: Ordained 8 November 2025 at St. Mary’s Malankara Orthodox Church in Farmers Branch, TX
Current Ministry: Assigned as Pastor of St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Pompano Beach, FL

(Photo: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos)

Priest Gregory Gatanas (Former M.A. Student)
Jurisdiction: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Holy Priesthood: Ordained 9 November 2025 at the Church of the Holy Resurrection in Brookville, NY
Current Ministry: Assistant Priest at Saint Sophia Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Priest Nathan Jekel (M.Div. ‘26)
Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America
Holy Priesthood: Ordained 21 November 2025 at St. Philip Orthodox Church, Souderton, PA
Current Ministry: Continuing studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary

Priest Nicholas Aultman (M.Div. ’26)
Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Holy Priesthood: Ordained 5 December 2025 at Virgin Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, Yonkers, NY
Current Ministry: Continuing studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary

HOLY DIACONATE

(Photo: Diocese of the Midwest)

Deacon Timothy Heinbockel (M.A. ’20) 
Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America
Holy Diaconate: Ordained 8 June 2025 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, IL
Current Ministry: Assigned to Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, IL

Deacon Daniel Werner (M.Div. ’26) 
Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America  
Holy Diaconate: Ordained 8 September 2025 at Three Hierarchs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY
Current Ministry: Continuing studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary

Deacon Andrew Neel (M.Div. ’27) 
Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America
Holy Diaconate: Ordained 23 November 2025 at St. Stephen the Protomartyr Antiochian Orthodox Church, South Plainfield, NJ
Current Ministry: Continuing studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary

(Photo: Antiochian.org/Subdn. Andrea Christoforides)

Deacon Sophrony (Scott) Strickland (M.Div. ’27) 
Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America
Holy Diaconate: Ordained 6 December 2025 at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY
Current Ministry: Continuing studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary

(Photo: Antiochian.org/Christopher Whittington)

Deacon John Whiteside (M.Div. ’27) 
Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America
Holy Diaconate: Ordained 7 December 2025 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church of Little Falls, NJ
Current Ministry: Continuing studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary

Deacon Mathew (Royce) Mathew (M.Div. ’20)
Jurisdiction: Northeast American Diocese, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Holy Priesthood: Ordained 13 December 2025 at the chapel of the Diocesan Chancery Muttontown, NY
Current Ministry: Attached to St. Andrew Malankara Orthodox Church, Glenwood Landing, NY, and St. Luke the Evangelist Malankara Orthodox Mission Church, Bensalem, PA

ELEVATIONS

Archdeacon Elias (Elio) Nicolas (M.A. ‘19)
Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Elevation: Elevated to the dignity of archdeacon 5 December 2025 at Virgin Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, Yonkers, NY
Current Ministry: Assistant to Metropolitan Saba at the archdiocesan headquarters in Englewood, NJ

If you know of an alumnus who received Holy Orders, an elevation, or monastic tonsure since June 1, 2025 and isn’t listed here, please let us know by sending details and a photo to media@svots.edu.

In May of 2025, the Rev. Matthew Wiley graduated as class valedictorian from St. Vladimir’s Seminary. In the weeks following, Fr. Matthew was ordained to the priesthood and began preparing to serve as pastor of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Urbana, IL.   

Father Matthew offered a short reflection for the Antiochian Archdiocese website, in which he describes his journey from not expecting ordination to being assigned to a parish much sooner than he and his wife Khouria Christina had anticipated.

I have learned much in seminary, but my greatest lesson is to expect the unexpected; God provides, and not in ways we could ever envision. Now in parish ministry, I pray that God keeps me always open to His grace-filled providence, never placing limits based on my expectations. The work is challenging, but Khouria and I have received immeasurable blessings in opening ourselves to God in this new and unexpected life serving His people.

As I said in my valedictory speech last May, "We kick, and we scream, and God provides. We say we will not, but we do… and God provides. 'For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.' … Brothers and sisters, you are Christ's, and you are His prophets. Go forth, then, to Nineveh, to a hostile land. And what you have vowed, perform. And God will provide.

Read Fr. Matthew’s Full Reflection at Antiochian.org

Read Fr. Matthew’s Valedictory Address

Priest Matthew Wiley hails from Santa Barbara, CA. He earned an undergraduate degree in film at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later worked as a technical writer for a software company. Earlier in life, Fr. Matthew practiced Orthodox Judaism. He eventually found himself drawn to Orthodox Christianity, partly due to an encounter with an elderly Orthodox Christian man at an airport. Fr. Matthew eventually decided to attend services at a nearby Orthodox parish, St. Athanasius Antiochian Orthodox Church in Goleta, CA, and discovered the elderly man he had met at the airport was a priest there! Fr. Matthew was baptized and received into Holy Orthodoxy at St. Athanasius in 2013. He married his wife, Khouria Christina, in 2024.

Top photo courtesy of Antiochian.org.