The beginning of the new academic year is always an exciting time at the Seminary. This year we are welcoming twenty-two new seminarians. They are from the United States, Canada, and India, which means a total of eight countries are represented in this year’s student body.
Those are numbers to give thanks to God for! By His grace and through these incredible, faithful men and women, the Seminary continues to have strong, positive impact on the world and the wider Church.
I can report that the standing of Saint Vladimir’s in the Orthodox world comes with high expectations—only the very best is expected from us. Earlier this year at the International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA) conference in Romania (which is being called the largest gathering of Orthodox Christian theologians in modern times) no seminary, academy, institute, or pastoral school had a larger presence. Saint Vladimir’s was there with SVS Press (the largest English-language Orthodox press in the world) and many of our faculty, alumni, authors, administration, and current seminarians.
The Seminary’s past is still looked upon with great reverence, and rightly so. However, thanks to you, work continues so that SVOTS is the Orthodox seminary best positioned to take the lead as the twenty-first century rolls on. Saint Vladimir’s is a model of what many see as the future of Orthodoxy in America and the witness of the global Church in the world.
Our fall mailing, One Lord, One Church, One World, is hitting mailboxes soon. If you aren’t on our mailing list and would like to receive this amazing snapshot of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary and its work in the world, as well as receive other mailings about the Seminary, email advancement@svots.edu.
St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) welcomed twenty-two new seminarians to its campus Monday for the first day of the 2019-2020 Academic Year.
The incoming class hails from three countries—the United States, Canada, and India—and twelve different jurisdictions.
Orthodox Church in America (5)=22.5%
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (5)=22.5%
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (2), Patriarchate of Serbia (1), Armenian Apostolic Church (1), Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria (1), three jurisdictions of the Malankara Churches (4), Roman Catholic Church (1), Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch (1), Church of the Nazarene (1)=55%
Counting the incoming class, the Seminary’s current student body is 87 (including Doctor of Ministry, continuing, and non-degree seminarians).
May the intercessions of Mary the Theotokos, Great and Holy Prince Vladimir, and all the saints be with these seminarians as they begin their new year in service to Christ!
St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) has opened the 2019 edition of the annual St. Matthias Merit Scholarship Essay Contest. The competition is a small part of the school’s ongoing efforts to help its students afford the costs of theological education and formation.
The essay contest is open to current seminarians only. Past winners of the contest are not eligible to enter. The winning student will see $3,000 in award money added to his or her scholarship fund to help pay for tuition at SVOTS.
The St. Matthias Merit Scholarship Essay Contest award is offered each academic year, thanks to the generous contributions of a family of anonymous donors. These donors also select the topic of each essay contest.
Requirements for the contest are as follows:
Essay Topic: Not long ago it seemed most people valued privacy and disliked being watched or followed. Today there are many publicly exhorting to be viewed and followed on social media, etc. Consequently, the imperative sentence, "Follow me," has become common and no longer has much of an effect. Write about how Christ’s words, "follow me," should be heard and heeded in light of this modern trend.
Submission Instructions: Entries for the 2019 St. Matthias Merit Scholarship Essay Contest must have a title and may not exceed 750 words. Entries should be submitted in PDF format—double-spaced and conforming to SVS Press House Style—to Ann Sanchez at aks@svots.edu. Essays must be submitted by September 14, 2019, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
The contest is one of many offerings by the Seminary to help 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.
To help more seminarians receive their education and formation, consider making a donation by visiting the Seminary’s Give Now page and selecting “Seminarians Education Assistance Fund” as your designation.
For fifty years, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary have worked together to help build up the Body of Christ. This October, celebrate with us this milestone of fifty years of collaboration!
An evening of events at St. Vladimir’s Seminary on Friday, October 11 includes:
Armenian Vespers, Three Hierarchs Chapel, 6:30 p.m.;
Book sale (the Seminary bookstore will be open until the lecture begins at 7 p.m.);
The Father John Meyendorff Memorial Lecture, Metropolitan Philip Auditorium (John J. Rangos Family Building), ft. Bishop Daniel Findikyan, 7 p.m.;
Reception following the lecture.
The celebration is free and open to the public.
About the 2019 Meyendorff Lecture Speaker
Seminary Alumnus Bishop Daniel Findikyan, professor of Armenian studies at SVOTS and St. Nersess’ professor of liturgical studies, is the primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. A noted international scholar of liturgics, Bishop Daniel is the first American-born primate in the history of the Eastern Diocese. He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals and books, and has and has lectured throughout the United States, as well as in Armenia, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Sweden, Slovakia and Russia. Bishop Daniel holds Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degrees from St. Vladimir’s and St. Nersess seminaries and a Master of Arts degree in Musicology from the City University of New York; he earned his doctorate in Liturgical Studies from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, where he studied under Robert Taft, S.J.
The In Trust Center for Theological Schools has awarded St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) a $10,000 matching grant for the Seminary’s Institute of Sacred Arts (ISA). The Seminary received the grant August 19, 2019.
The funds for the In Trust Center Resource Grant are supported by the Lilly Endowment, one of the world’s largest private philanthropic foundations.
The Seminary will use the grant over the next twelve months toward the purchase and installation of a suite of audio and video equipment for the production of educational materials for the classroom and online. These materials will be geared toward the study of sacred arts, both visual and musical, and made available for residential students, non-residential distance learners, artists, practitioners, and the general public.
The Resource Grant is the latest development in the ongoing implementation of a permanent Sacred Arts institute on campus. In January, SVOTS announced the ISA, with “creativity and holiness for the life of the world” as its mission, thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation.
The In Trust Center for Theological Schools seeks to strengthen theological schools by connecting their leaders to essential resources for mission vitality. The Center’s members include more than 230 seminaries, theological schools, colleges, and related organizations, including St. Vladimir’s Seminary, that help men and women prepare for Christian ministry and theological and biblical scholarship. More information about the In Trust Center’s programs and initiatives can be found on its website.
With faith in Christ and hope in the resurrection, we share news of the repose of Seminary Alumnus Very Rev. John J. Matusiak. Father John passed away on August 15, the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, following a battle with bladder and spinal cancer.
Father John was pastor emeritus of St. Joseph Church, Wheaton, IL, and served the Chancery of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) for fifty years in various positions, including director of youth ministry, director of communications, director of church growth, and managing editor of The Orthodox Church newspaper. He was also well known as the “Q&A guru” from the OCA website’s popular “Questions and Answers about Orthodoxy” resource.
Father John’s connection with St. Vladimir’s Seminary spans multiple generations. He graduated from the Seminary in 1975. His son, Archdeacon Joseph Matusiak, secretary to the Metropolitan, graduated from St. Vladimir’s in 2006 and later served the Seminary as its director of alumni and recruitment.
Father John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara; his son, the Archdeacon Joseph and spouse, Nina; his daughter, Juliana and spouse, Michael; and 5 grandchildren (Alexander, Noah, Daniel, Silas, and Zofia.)
The Funeral Service for a Priest will be celebrated at St. Joseph Orthodox Church, 412 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187, on Monday, August 19, at 7 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 20 at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Wheaton Cemetery, Wheaton, IL. A repast will follow at the St. Joseph Church hall. Choir rehearsals will be held in the church prior to each service—on Monday at 6:15 p.m., and on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Email chancery@domoca.org for more information.
In lieu of flowers, a monetary gift to Matushka Barbara Matusiak would be appreciated. Gifts can be sent to 570 Crescent Blvd #506, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-8307.
The Very Reverend Steven John Belonick reposed in the Lord Jesus Christ on August 7, 2019, after an extended illness, acute myeloid leukemia. Father Steven, who was an alumnus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary and served as the Seminary’s former Dean of Students and Chaplain, was 67 years old.
Born October 7, 1951, and raised in New Britain, CT, he was the only son of Steven and Ann (née Kochanowsky) Belonick. He was a graduate of Laurel Crest Preparatory School (1969), and he earned degrees at the University of Connecticut (B.A. in Biology, 1974) and at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, Yonkers, NY (M.Div., 1977). He also completed a two-year program in pastoral counseling at Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center, Syracuse, NY (Certificate, 1992).
On September 3, 1978, he married Deborah Malacky, also a graduate of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, who became his lifelong partner and support in ministry. Father Steven was ordained to the order of the Holy Diaconate, March 25, 1979, by His Grace Boris (Geeza), bishop of Chicago and the Midwest, Orthodox Church in America (OCA); he was ordained to the order of the Holy Priesthood, May 19, 1979, by His Beatitude Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor), administrator of the OCA. Both ordinations took place in Three Hierarchs Chapel at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.
Prior to his ordination Fr. Steven had been inspired to become a pastor by meditating upon his favorite Bible passage, John 21:15–17, in which the Lord instructs his disciple Peter, who professes his steadfast love for Him, to “feed My sheep.” Taking guidance from that passage and seeking to fulfill the Lord’s directive to the best of his ability, Fr. Steven served three parishes of the OCA as their pastor and shepherd, with zealous love for each flock: The Orthodox Christian Church of the Holy Transfiguration, Pearl River, NY (1979–1983); Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, Binghamton, NY (1983–2000); and Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church, Bridgeport, CT (2013–2017).
Additionally Fr. Steven became a beloved pastor and trusted confessor for many students attending St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he worked in various capacities from 2000–2013: Director of Recruitment and Alumni and Public Relations; Dean of Students; and Chaplain. As a final testimony to his dedication in shepherding souls, he availed himself even to the aides, nurses, and hospital workers who sought his pastoral wisdom occasionally, taking an interest in their joys and sorrows and lending a listening ear.
Besides his pastoral work, Fr. Steven served as co-founder and co-editor, along with his wife, Deborah, of Jacob’s Well, the official publication of the Diocese of NY and NJ, OCA. He also served in a volunteer capacity on various committees and in various departments under the central administration of the OCA: the Department of Lay Ministry, the Department of Pastoral Life and Ministry, the Liturgical Commission, and the Ethics Commission. As well, also within the central church, he chaired a task force to develop a professional assistance program for clergy and their families and for full-time church workers. Additionally he was involved in an initial study of the OCA to address issues of clergy sexual misconduct. He also acted as co-editor for a very popular book filled with Lenten meditations, A Journey through Great Lent.
As Fr. Steven passes from death to eternal life, he leaves behind on earth his beloved family: his wife, Deborah; his two sons, Paul (Alexandra) and Daniel (Jennifer Mary), and his grandson, Steven Leland; his sister, Cynthia (Salvatore); and his father, Steven, along with in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, and an uncle that was part of his household growing up, John Kochanowski.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Adzima Funeral Home, Stratford, CT. Calling hours and services will take place at St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church, 504 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT: calling hours, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Sunday, August 11; Office of the Burial of a Priest, 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 11; Divine Liturgy, 10 a.m., on Monday, August 12, with a repast following. A select choir, directed by Robin Freeman of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, will sing the services. Burial will take place at St. Tikhon's Monastery Cemetery, St. Tikhon's Road, South Canaan, PA, beginning with a short Panikhida (Service for the Departed) at the gravesite at noon, on Tuesday, August 13, with a luncheon following in the seminary refectory (not to be confused with the monastery refectory).
Father Steven expresses his great thanks to all his caretakers: Dr. David Witt, his oncologist and Susanna Cronmiller, APRN, along with all the nurses and aides on the 7th floor oncology unit at Bridgeport Hospital; his family members who undertook the loving task of caring for him during time spent at home in hospice: his sister, Cynthia; his two cousins, Barbara Selarz and Kathleen Santa Maria; and his wife and sons. Additionally he is grateful for pastoral care provided by fellow clergy, especially His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, primate of the OCA, Fr. John Jillions, Fr. Steven Voytovich, his current father confessor, Fr. Adrian Budica and the Spiritual Care Unit at Bridgeport Hospital, and Fr. Michael Westerberg. In particular he is indebted to Fr. Paul Lazor who served as his father confessor and mentor for decades, and with whom he developed a lasting bond of friendship. He also thanks his in-laws Barry and Libby Taylor, and all other friends and family members for their love, support, and encouragement during his long illness.
Because he had suffered and understood the devastating effects of cancer, and because of his gentle care for the children under his pastoral guidance over the years, it was Fr. Steven’s wish that donations in his memory be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (800) 822-6344.
May Fr. Steven’s memory be eternal!
One of the gifts Fr. Steven gave to St. Vladimir’s Seminary was a series of remarkable reflections written between 2010 and 2011. Access the twenty-eight reflections here.
You may post your condolences and memories of Fr. Steven on our Facebook page’s post for him (see the post here). Over the coming weeks, the messages will be sent to Fr. Steven’s family.
The celebration of Divine Liturgy was especially blessed by the presence of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, archbishop of Washington, metropolitan of All America and Canada of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), and chairman of St. Vladimir’s Seminary. OCA Chancellor Very Rev. Alexander Rentel, Seminary President Very Rev. Chad Hatfield, and other clergy from among the Seminary’s faculty and student body also participated in the Liturgy.
Very Rev. Sergius Halvorsen, assistant professor of homiletics and rhetoric, delivered a powerful homily during the Divine Liturgy on how to view the incredible ministry of St. Vladimir through the lens of our own calling as individual Christians--and how not to grow despondent by comparing the fruits of our ministries with those of St. Vladimir or anyone else.
"...Christian ministry is ultimately not about being great, or wealthy or powerful, or famous," Fr. Sergius preached. "Christian ministry is about being faithful to Jesus Christ, and serving Christ through serving my neighbor; using whatever God has given me, no matter how great or how small, to serve the flock—to serve the people that have been entrusted to me today."
The full transcript of Fr. Sergius' homily can be read on the Seminary's Synaxis Blog.
Holy Prince Vladimir, you were like a merchant in search of fine pearls. By sending servants to Constantinople for the Orthodox Faith, you found Christ, the priceless pearl. He appointed you to be another Paul, washing away in baptism your physical and spiritual blindness. We celebrate your memory, asking you to pray for all Orthodox Christians and for us, your spiritual children. (Troparion, Tone 4)
Seminary Alumnus Archimandrite Pitirim (Stehnach), 90, fell asleep in the Lord on the evening of Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in Ellwood City, PA.
Born in Conemaugh, PA on August 15, 1928 to the late Michael and Mary (Glova) Stehnach, he was the sixth of nine children. He served for seven years in the US Navy and Marines, after which he attended Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary from 1958 to 1963, when he graduated with the Certificate of Studies in Theology. He was ordained to the diaconate by Archbishop Ireney on December 4, 1962 and to the priesthood by Archbishop Sylvester on April 27 of the following year. On October 14, 1966, he took monastic vows. He was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite on the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
Father Pitirim faithfully served parishes of the Orthodox Church in America for over 50 years in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. He also served as personal aide and driver for Archbishop Kyrill of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania for over 20 years. After retiring on his 85th birthday in 2013, he attended divine services at the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA and St. Elias Parish as his health permitted.
He is survived by brothers Paul and Steven Stehnach and several nieces and nephews, as well as numerous spiritual children. He was greatly appreciated for his practical and loving spiritual guidance.
Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 14 at the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA. The Funeral for a Monastic will follow at 6 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 15, followed by interment in the monastery cemetery.
