*UPDATE - Jan. 28, 2019
The registration period is now closed to new attendees. Please return to SVOTS.edu/events to find out about the next open house opportunity.

Do you feel called to serve the Church, either in ordained ministry or another vocation? Cozy up to the idea of enrolling at St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVOTS) and pursuing your calling at the Winter Open House, February 3 and 4.

Experience community and academic life at SVOTS over these two days. Take a guided tour of the Seminary campus, sit in on classes, meet the Seminary president, faculty, and staff, attend services, share meals with seminarians, and even attend the community Super Bowl party on Sunday evening!

Plan to arrive before 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 3. The Open House formally concludes the next day with Vespers, which begin at 5 p.m., although you are more than welcome to stay longer for dinner and a Monday evening event with the Seminary’s St. Juliana’s Society.

REGISTRATION
Fill out and submit the registration form on this page to RSVP by Monday, January 28, 2019 (see form below).

DAILY SCHEDULE
Arrive Sunday afternoon, February 3, and leave Monday evening, February 4 
Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019

• By 4 p.m. – Open House guests arrive on campus
• 5 p.m. – Campus Tour
• 6 p.m. – Super Bowl party & welcome remarks by director of residential life and admissions

Monday, Feb. 4, 2019

• 7:30 a.m. – Matins
• 8:15 a.m. – Breakfast and welcome from seminary president
• 9:15 a.m. – Morning Classes (2)
• 12 p.m. – Lunch & group discussion with current seminarians curated by the academic dean
• 1:15 p.m. – Optional daylight campus tour
• 2 p.m. – Afternoon Class
• 5 p.m. – Vespers
• 6 p.m. – Dinner (Optional)
• 7-9 p.m. – St. Juliana’s Society (Optional)

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

• Welcome!
• Degrees offered
• Tuition & other expenses
• Application forms
• Financial aid
• Housing
• Health insurance
• International students

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• Download a PDF of the Open House
• Download a JPG of the Open House

The new book, Mixed Marriage: An Orthodox History, “will surely become a standard work on the subject,” according to Archpriest John A. McGuckin, visiting research professor at Oxford University and emeritus professor of Byzantine Christian Studies at Columbia University & Union Theological Seminary.

The book, written by Priest Anthony Roeber, is available now through St. Vladimir’s Seminary (SVS) Press. The study explores historical documentation of incidents and practices regarding mixed marriages throughout the history of the Orthodox Church.

“Fr. Roeber’s excellent book offers a lucid and fascinating history of marriage and its relationship to the Church, the authority of the bishop, pastoral practice in relation to the administration of the Mysteries (how can a couple sharing in the sacrament of Orthodox marriage not be allowed thereafter to share in the Eucharist from which it flows?) and how that important, but often ill-defined term of oikonomia can address the issue of mixed marriage today,” said McGuckin.

Fr. Anthony Roeber is professor of Church History at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS). The author of some 50 articles, six books, and three edited volumes, his most recent publications include the co-authored Changing Churches: An Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran Theological Conversation (Eerdmans, 2012) and Hopes for Better Spouses: Protestant Marriage and Church Renewal in Early Modern Europe, India, and North America (Eerdmans, 2013).

Join us for an evening of sharing music together with friends, old and new! The Westchester Chorale, recognized as one of the region’s leading musical ensembles, is joining the St. Vladimir’s Seminary Chorale for a free concert this December.

Concert-goers will be treated to Dmitry Bortniansky’s Sacred Concerto No. 6 from the Westchester Chorale and other Orthodox Christmas music courtesy of the Seminary Chorale.

An Evening of Christmas Music begins at 7:30 p.m. on campus Sunday, December 9. A reception will follow.

The Westchester Chorale, directed by Douglas Kostner, was founded in 1965 and is based in Larchmont, New York.

On November 5, the 2021 Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Cohort arrived on campus for their first onsite intensive.

This cohort, the third that has formed since the D.Min. program was revived in 2014, is comprised of seven students from six different jurisdictions and denominations. The students of the 2021 cohort serve in a variety of ministries and include parish priests, crisis counselors, lay catechists, and active duty military chaplains.

"Forming a community of teachers and learners has always been a top priority for us, and we are always learning how to do that better,” said Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, D.Min. program director. “For this cohort, we expanded the orientation to a six-week online experience, and I think this really helped. By the time we met face to face for the very first time, we all felt like we were old friends. This sense of camaraderie is a wonderful foundation for ongoing learning and pastoral formation."

This semester, the 2021 D.Min. Cohort took the first two of their nine courses: Liturgical Life and Pastoral ministry, taught by Dr. Grant White; and Advanced Preaching and Communication taught by Fr. Sergius Halvorsen.

Dr. White noted, "The intensive was marked by informed, critical discussion of liturgical, theological, and pastoral issues in an atmosphere of mutual trust and learning together."

In addition to working with Seminary faculty, the students had an opportunity to discuss topics of communication, leadership, and productivity with Deacon Michael Hyatt, the Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees. A number of the students remarked on how grateful they were for the wisdom and encouragement that Dn. Michael shared with the class during the course of an inspiring discussion. While they were on campus, the students of the 2021 D.Min. Cohort also had a chance to meet with Dr. Ionut-Alexandru Tudorie, the new academic dean of St. Vladimir's Seminary.

The 2021 D.Min. Cohort is off to a great start, and we wish them every blessing as they continue their work!

St. Vladimir’s Seminary’s Arvo Pärt Project co-presented an incredible concert featuring the Estonian composer’s music Monday night in New York City. The Project partnered with Sacred Music in a Sacred Space for the event.

A sold-out crowd packed inside the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola for Arvo Pärt: The Sound of the Sacred to hear some of the leading performers of Arvo Pärt's music in the world, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Tõnu Kaljuste. The all-Pärt program included two major compositions inspired by St. Silouan of Mount Athos, as well as a new setting of the Prayer from the Kanon of Repentance performed for the first time in the United States.

“Further evidence of the power of Arvo Pärt’s music and its relevance for the contemporary concert-goer was given tonight,” said Dr. Nicholas Reeves, who co-founded the Arvo Pärt Project when he was a professor at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. “It has been four years since the Estonians performed in New York and, regardless of the repeated programming of certain compositions, Pärt’s sway over the audience is as strong, if not stronger—the attendance, applause, and overall spirit of eagerness to listen was self-evident, even the pre-concert lecture was virtually packed. The depths of Pärt’s works and how they relate to his faith are an endeavor that the Arvo Pärt Project will continue to provide for a metropolitan populace thirsting for life-giving water.”

As part of the evening’s events, the Seminary invited Elder Zacharias of Essex—one of the living elders of the Orthodox Church—to take part in a free pre-concert lecture on St. Silouan and repentance in the music of Arvo Pärt. Archimandrite Zacharias is a disciple of St. Silouan’s own disciple Elder Sophrony, and is a monk in the community founded by Elder Sophrony, the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, England. Also taking part in the pre-concert lecture were His Beatitude, The Most Blessed Tikhon, archbishop of Washington and metropolitan of All America and Canada, and Seminary Professor Dr. Peter C. Bouteneff, who directs the Arvo Pärt Project.

Earlier that day, Fr. Zacharias visited the Seminary campus, where he spoke to members of the seminary community and guests.

Arvo Pärt’s spiritual roots in Orthodox Christianity have inspired the Seminary to engage in a project that has produced high-profile concerts, publish essays and books, and engage in cross-disciplinary panel discussions. Learn more about the Arvo Pärt Project and the Seminary’s Sacred Arts Initiative online.

RELATED STORIES:

• SVOTS delegation takes part in Arvo Pärt Centre opening in Estonia
• Arvo Pärt Project honored by Estonian Government
• Estonian Composer Arvo Pärt Thrills NYC Audience

Online Presentation (Webinar) – Register here

An opportunity to transform your ministry for the better might sound too good to be true, but that is exactly what St. Vladimir’s Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program was set up to be. And its most recent graduates want you to see fruits of the D.Min. program for yourself.

On Wednesday, November 14, we are beginning another round of webinars featuring D.Min. graduates presenting their final projects. These webinars—free and open to the public—are meant to give people a taste of what the D.Min. program offers and what it can do for your ministry.

While registration is free, space is limited, so sign up through this link if you are interested:

• D.Min. Webinar Registration – Very Rev. David Subu, D.Min.
  Wed, November 14, 2018 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT 

The next presentation will feature Very Rev. Dr. David G. Subu, pastor of St. Mary Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Virginia. Fr. David’s topic for the webinar session will be based on his project, “Repent and Recover: Addiction Recovery and Traditional Christian Ascetic Principles for Pastors and Their Parishioners.”

"Many have identified the connection between the modern affliction of addiction and what the ascetic Fathers call 'the Passions,'” Fr. David explained. “If addictions are a form of the passions, we should find that successful principles of recovery from addiction should also be useful in healing the passions and habitual sinful behaviors.”

“This project examines the dynamics of the passions and the scientific study of addiction treatments and develops a course of recovery-minded repentance from sin that can help both priests and those under their spiritual care to actualize the benefits of the ascetic tradition in their lives for overcoming sin, God helping."

Registrants for Fr. David’s presentation will receive a link to join the webinar on the morning of November 14.

Watch this space for information about the next webinar coming soon.

St. Vladimir’s Seminary’s Fall Benefit & Theological Convocation brought people together from near and far to support scholarships for seminarians, celebrate forty years of ordained ministry for Seminary President Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, and lay out the vision for the future of theological education.

On Thursday morning, November 1, the two-day event began with Divine Liturgy on campus, presided over by His Beatitude, The Most Blessed Tikhon, archbishop of Washington and metropolitan of All America and Canada of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in commemoration of the reception of relics of Great and Holy Prince Vladimir at Three Hierarchs Chapel five years ago, in November 2013.

Later that evening, the Seminary hosted a gala at the scenic Surf Club on the Sound in New Rochelle, NY, to honor Fr. Chad and boost St. Vladimir’s Seminary’s Tuition-Free Initiative. The initiative, which launched in 2012, offers fully-paid tuition to seminarians to free them of the burden of tuition debt as they go forth to serve the Church. Contributions from the gala’s attendees and donations sent in toward the cause totaled nearly $200 thousand at last count, with donations still being sent in the week following the event.

“I am delighted to use this occasion marking forty years of service in ordained ministry to benefit those who are in the early stages of priestly formation as seminarians,” said Fr. Chad. To have a small part in the formation of future priests, and those called to other vocations of service in the Church, is one of the great blessings of my life.”

Many distinguished guests were in attendance to honor Fr. Chad, including His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon; SVOTS Alumnus Very Rev. Archimandrite Gerasim (’12) of St. Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral in Dallas, TX; Rev. Vasily Fisher of St. James Orthodox Church, Napaskiak, Alaska; and Very Rev. John Parker, SVOTS alumnus and dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

Activities returned to the St. Vladimir’s Seminary campus on Friday for the theological convocation, “Theological Education in the Twenty-First Century.” Featured speakers Rev. Dr. George Parsenios, Dr. Vigen Guroian, new Academic Dean Dr. Ionuţ-Alexandru Tudorie, and Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield spoke to various facets of theological education moving forward with regard to Church History, Scripture, and Dogmatics and Ethics. A discussion followed, led by a panel comprised of Seminary Professors Dr. Peter Bouteneff and Rev. Dr. Anthony Roeber and Fordham University Professor Dn. Patrick (William) Baumgarth.

St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary (SVOTS) pays 75% of the cost of tuition to educate each seminarian through its fully-paid tuition program. The remaining 25% is covered by a seminarian’s home parish, diocese, or other church organization. Since 2012, SVOTS has paid out an average of $475,000 each year in scholarship funds for its seminarians. You can support the Tuition-Free Initiative fund and help SVOTS offer fully-paid tuition to seminarians here.

Hear St. Vladimir’s Seminary Chorale perform western and Orthodox carols at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church’s annual Christmas concert.

On Saturday, December 8 at 7 p.m. Eastern, St. Vladimir's Theological Seminary, Ancient Faith Radio, and Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow, NY are partnering to present an evening of carols, hymns, and scripture readings in preparation for the celebration of the Holy Nativity of our Lord. Under the direction of Robin Freeman and  former SVOTS faculty member Dr. Nicholas Reeves, Holy Trinity’s choir director, the combined choirs will sing familiar carols and Orthodox liturgical hymns interspersed with readings from the Old and New Testaments. 

If you can't attend in person, watch the live video stream on Ancient Faith Radio.    

An Advent reception will follow the concert. The concert and reception are both free of charge.

During their Fall Session at the Chancery in Syosset, NY, October 23 through 26, 2018, the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops confirmed the nomination by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon of St. Vladimir’s Seminary Professor Archpriest Alexander Rentel as chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America.

The appointment of Fr. Alexander was made in accordance with Article VI Section 2 of the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America and endorsed by the Metropolitan Council at a special meeting on Thursday, October 18. He succeeds Archpriest John Jillions, who has served as Chancellor since 2011 and who was recently appointed Rector of Holy Ghost Church, Bridgeport, CT.  Fr. John will continue as chancellor through December 31, while Fr. Alexander will assume his duties on January 1, 2019.

A faithful priest of the Orthodox Church in America for seventeen years, Fr. Alexander brings a wealth of experience to his new position as a well-known professor, liturgist, pastor and confessor. His pastoral ministry has been offered within the context of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary [SVOTS], Yonkers, NY, where he has worked for over sixteen years as a professor, and for ten has served as the seminary’s ecclesiarch.  As ecclesiarch, he has overseen the life of the school’s Three Hierarchs Chapel, the liturgical training of seminarians, and the ordination process. The latter ministry is a key component of the chancellor’s responsibilities, along with assisting the metropolitan in the areas of theological training and parish assignments.

Currently, Fr. Alexander is the Seminary’s assistant professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies and the John and Paraskeva Skvir Lecturer in Practical Theology. He has been a member of the Holy Synod of Bishop’s Commission on Canons and Statues.  His experience with the Statute Revision Commission has given him an extraordinary familiarity with the current—and past—Statutes.

Fr. Alexander’s knowledge and experience of Canon Law are not only academic, but practical.  On many occasions, he has provided canonical guidance and opinions to the Holy Synod on a variety of subjects, and he has been called upon to consult in this area by Orthodox Churches around the world.  Having worked closely with all of the bishops of the Holy Synod, collectively and individually, he is intimately familiar with the general functioning of the Holy Synod.  He is widely known and respected by the many seminarians who have studied under him.

Fr. Alexander is married to Matushka Nancy Rentel (SVOTS Class of 1995), who works in Higher Education in New York City. Together they have three children.

St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) has announced Ms Sophia Theodoratos as the winner of the 2018 St Matthias Merit Scholarship Essay Contest.

Sixteen seminarians submitted entries for the essay contest, which was opened to current SVOTS students at the start of the fall semester. For her winning entry, Ms Theodoratos will have $3,000 in award money added to her scholarship fund.

The St Matthias Merit Scholarship Essay Contest will be offered annually, thanks to the generous contributions of a family of anonymous donors. These donors also selected the topic of the 2018 essay contest and developed thorough and thoughtful criteria to determine the winner.

“It was an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to read all the works several times. We treasure them,” said one of the family members. “…When I read the essays, I felt each had a pearl.”

Each year, the essay topic will be based on an inspiring, real-life event. This year, seminarians were asked to write a hypothetical reflection to a group of Orthodox Christian youth who had just watched Ethiopia’s Meseret Defar cry, kneel, and hold up an icon of the Theotokos after winning the 2012 Olympic final for the women’s 5000-meter race.

“We may never compete in such an event as Defar,” wrote Theodoratos, “but each and every one of us can all run the race of our life following Jesus.”

• Read Sophia Theodoratos’ winning essay

Sophia Theodoratos hails from Brisbane, Australia. She graduated from SVOTS Master of Arts (M.A.) program in the spring of 2018 and returned to SVOTS for the 2018 fall semester to pursue a Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree.

The contest is one of many offerings by the Seminary to help its seminarians graduate tuition-debt free as they go forth to serve the Church. SVOTS also administers need-based tuition grants, need-based scholarships, merit scholarships, continuing education grants, and matching grant opportunities for seminarians. These are made possible thanks to many benefactors who have graciously given funds to the seminary.