On April 18, the annual One Day Conference for G.R.O.W. (God Renewing Orthodox Women) Ministry convened on the campus of St. Vladimir's Seminary in Yonkers, NY. This was the fourth diocesan conference hosted by G.R.O.W., the young women's ministry of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Women from Virginia to Boston attended the gathering.

The theme of the conference was "In God We Trust," based on Psalm 62:5: "For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from Him." As in previous years, we were once again extremely honored to have the Diocesan Metropolitan, His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, bless us with his presence and his words. His Grace, who formally established the young women's ministry and is an appointed member of the St. Vladimir's Board of Trustees, expressed his joy in the growth of the ministry and in the work God is doing through it. His Grace also encouraged the attendees to take an active role in the ministry.

The main speaker for this year was Ms. Katrina Bitar, a graduate of St. Vladimir's Seminary, and the Director of the Yes! Program of FOCUS North America. Katrina talked about how humans are motivated by fear and love, and said that our relationships grow through our struggles. She emphasized that trusting is more about self-forgetfulness, and that God uses pain to help us meet with Him.

In addition to the main speaker, two workshops were conducted. One workshop was titled "Christian Meditation" and was led by the Reverend Fr. M. K. Kuriakose, the vicar of St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Unruh Avenue, Philadelphia. Father Kuriakose taught participants how proper meditation time can not only strengthen one's mind, but also the soul and body. Women learned how even in silence, God works in us. The other workshop was led by Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak, director of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Alumni Relations at St. Vladimir's. Using the iconography of the Three Hierarchs Chapel at seminary, Pdn. Joseph led the participants in a discussion designed to help them engage with the iconography and sacred space of the Orthodox Church.

Discussions were held in small groups where women met with other women of similar age and had real lively discussions. There was also an open forum where the women had an opportunity to ask the Metropolitan and the guest speaker any questions that they had. In addition, there was a digital scavenger hunt for all the women and an activity for high school, college, and the singles/professional groups.

One of the main highlights of the conference was a campus tour that included a visit to the bookstore, where the women were given some time to browse and purchase books, prayer ropes, CDs, seminary t-shirts, and other items. It was also a beautiful experience to conduct the noon prayers in the Three Hierarchs Chapel, adorned with paschal flowers after the Feast of Resurrection. Women enjoyed the fellowship during lunch time, and were especially blessed with a beautiful sunny day. All women were given journals that highlighted the theme, and there were theme-based t-shirts available on sale.

The conference came to a close as the women spent time in spiritual reflection. During this time, the participants were encouraged to think about the power of the God in whom we trust — the God who has the power to part the Red Sea. They were reminded that like the people of Israel, they were chosen and that each one of them is precious in the sight of God. The participants were given time to write down their own "Red Sea," i.e., their own obstacles in trusting God and the struggles they face in their lives. As they watched a video of the parting of the Red Sea, they were reminded that they can cast their burdens on the Lord. Each woman individually came up before the icon of Christ and was given an affirmation card with the theme verse and a prayer, as well as a prayer card based on this year's conference theme. The spiritual reflection ended with the women reading these prayers together.

Through the support of the clergy and seminarians present, the volunteers from various churches, and the prayerful support from all the various spiritual organizations and friends, the conference was fruitful and uplifting. We acknowledge the cooperation and support of St. Vladimir's Seminary in hosting this conference.

The mission of G.R.O.W. Ministry is to help women be active in their Orthodox faith and to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, and to help them in their daily lives with the support and prayers of their sisters in the Church. Glory to God for a beautiful and blessed day!

Representatives from St. Vladimir's, St. Tikhon's, Christ the Savior, and St. Herman seminaries joined Hellenic College/Holy Cross (HCHC) Greek Orthodox School of Theology students for the 2015 Orthodox Inter-Seminary Meeting (OISM) hosted by HCHC in Brookline, MA. This year's theme was "Building Community," with talks offered by His Grace The Right Reverend John Abdalah (SVOTS '84), auxiliary bishop for the Antiochian Archdiocese's Diocese of Worcester and New England, and Fr. Edward Hughes (SVOTS '80), the Vicar General of The Western Rite Commission in the Antiochian Archdiocese.

We arrived Friday evening and had an opportunity to get to know one another and compare our typical days and course loads at seminary. On Saturday morning we were given a tour of the Hellenic College/Holy Cross campus, which rests on 30 scenic acres just outside the city of Boston. We were first taken to the Archbishop Iakovos Library, which houses an extensive theological and cultural collection. In the library, we reflected on the legacy of His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos (+2005), former primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, as we viewed sacred artifacts and archives related to his life. We continued the tour through the classrooms and gym, ending up at the chapel.

After brunch we had our first talk by Bishop John. His discussion on community building focused on respecting the unique individuals that comprise a community. He referenced Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann's idea that each person is a cosmos, and should be approached and treated thus. Bishop John asserted that understanding the uniqueness of individuals isn't incongruous with community building, but is in fact important to the health of parishes. He reminded us that our task as church leaders isn't to bring God to any person or situation, but rather to be present, and in so doing reveal the God Who is already there.

After a small break, Fr. Edward led our second talk. He spoke on the upcoming Great and Holy Council of 2016, and what the possible outcomes could be for the Orthodox churches in America. Our evening concluded with Vespers, dinner, and the OISM business meeting. On Sunday we gathered for the celebration of Divine Liturgy, followed by brunch.

All in all, the event offered a meaningful time of fellowship with students from other seminaries, and a timely reminder of the importance of building relationships across jurisdictional lines. The next OISM retreat is scheduled for Fall 2015 at St. Tikhon's in South Canaan, PA.

In his sales trip to the United Kingdom, the Reverend Dn. Gregory Hatrak, director of Marketing and Operations for SVS Press and Bookstore, was reminded once again of the far reach of St. Vladimir's Seminary's publishing house. "I visited major bookshops in London, such as the large stores in Westminster Cathedral. Walking into a store without anyone touring with me, I was greeted with warmth and recognition as soon as I said I was from SVS Press.

"Our distribution agreement with The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) has allowed us to reach more shops and stores in the UK," continued Dn. Gregory, referring to the increasingly positive and productive relationship SVS Press enjoys with its UK distributor. "Our sales from that part of the world, both in parishes and the major universities and colleges, have been steadily increasing. We will soon be launching an online presence for SVS Press in the UK through the SPCK, which will expand our reach even further." A venerable English publishing institution, SPCK was founded in 1698 and is under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Deacon Gregory connected with the greater Orthodox community while in London, serving at the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers in the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava. He also took the opportunity to strengthen the Press's Anglican connections, through visits to the Anglican institutions of Sarum College and the Winchester and Salisbury Cathedrals. He was graciously received by his English hosts: Jenny Monds, director of Learning Resources at Sarum College; William Cole, Resources Room coordinator at the Winchester Cathedral; and Alan Mordue, the SVS Press sales representative in the UK. Both at the College and the Cathedrals, the presence of SVS Press books was in evidence.

"We are delighted that the Press is making inroads in the UK religious market," concluded Dn. Gregory after returning to the U.S, "and that our books will increasingly find their way into the hands of inquirers and faithful Orthodox Christians 'across the pond.'"

Read excerpts from some of the latest SVS Press releases.

Of your charity, please join our community in continued prayers for the family of St. Vladimir's Seminary's Dean Emeritus, Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, who reposed in the Lord March 18, 2015, and for his soul. Father Thomas's family has posted a beautiful, edifying memorial on a special website.

Please keep in prayer also Archpriest Paul Lazor, former Dean of Students, and Matushka Juliana Schmemann, wife of our former Dean, Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann.

Father Matthew Jeremy Baker, a St. Vladimir's alumnus and pastor at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Norwich, CT, died in a tragic auto accident in Connecticut on Sunday evening, March 1, following the service for the Sunday of Orthodoxy. He was 37 years old. He is survived by his wife, Presbytera Katherine, and six children.

A service for the repose of his soul was held Monday, March 2, 2015, at 5 p.m., in Three Hierarchs Chapel on the seminary campus. In his tribute at the end of the service, Fr. Herman (Majkrzak), lecturer in Liturgical Music, noted that "Fr. Matthew, in Christ, is now seeing the triumph of Orthodoxy much sooner than he expected, this triumph for which he labored single-mindedly." 

Father Matthew lived on the campus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary while he attended a Ph.D. program at Fordham University, starting in 2011; during that time, he also took one course at St. Vladimir’s. He had already earned his Master of Divinity degree from St. Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA, in 2008, and his Master of Arts degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA, in 2010.

In January 2014 he was ordained to the priesthood by His Eminence Methodios, metropolitan of the Metropolis of Boston of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America, and in that same month he began teaching as an adjunct professor in Theology at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He also had been just recently assigned as pastor to Holy Trinity.

“Father Matthew Baker was a gifted and talented young scholar whose untimely death is a tragic loss for us all,” noted seminary dean the Very Reverend Dr. John Behr, “but especially of course for Presbytera Katherine and their children.

“They are all in our prayers,” Fr. John said. “May his memory be eternal and may he rise in glory.”

View funeral arrangements.
Read the tribute to Father Matthew by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of the Metropolis of Boston, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America.
Read Fr. Herman's tribute, delivered in Three Hierarchs Chapel.
Read Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick's tribute to his brother in Christ.
Donations may be made to Father Matthew's family at gofundme.com.

Fordham University has announced the creation of the “Father John Meyendorff & Patterson Family Chair of Orthodox Christian Studies,” a professorship within the Orthodox Christian Studies Center of the university.  Solon and Marianna Patterson of Atlanta, and their family, endowed the chair with the intention of its being held by a recognized scholar of Orthodox Christian Studies, who also has a specialization in the relationship between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions.

The inaugural chair holder will be installed in a special public ceremony the evening of Monday, October 5, 2015, at Fordham's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. The university will be announcing the appointment to the chair in the summer of 2015.

Fordham's president, the Reverend Joseph M. McShane, S.J., remarked on the timely significance of the vision and purpose of the chair, saying, “We are deeply grateful to the Patterson family for making possible this addition to serious scholarship in Orthodox Studies at Fordham. John Meyendorff was the most significant English-speaking historian of Byzantine Christianity in the twentieth century, and a familiar presence at Rose Hill. We are therefore very pleased that his name, as well as that of the Patterson family, will forever be associated with Fordham.”

Appropriately, the new chair honors Protopresbyter John Meyendorff (1926–1992), who was both Professor of Byzantine History at Fordham and also Professor of Church History and Patristics at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, as well as its dean. Father Meyendorff’s scholarly works—particularly his writings on the Great Schism of 1054, the nature of authority in the Church, and the primacy of Peter—greatly contributed to Orthodox-Catholic official dialogues. Besides being a participant in many of those dialogues, Father Meyendorff acted as an astute observer and detailed chronicler of them, with an intensely personal interest in their continuation (e.g., his article, “Orthodox-Roman Catholic Dialogue Faces Snags,” St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Quarterly 30:4, 1986).

Reflecting upon the newly endowed chair, the Pattersons remarked, “We believe the endowment of this chair to be an integral part of our lifetime commitment to encourage and pursue reconciliation between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, and we are honored to name it after a priest and scholar who was equally committed to dialogue between these two great Christian bodies.”

Father Meyendorff was a member of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation from its inception in 1965. His son, Dr. Paul Meyendorff, the Father Alexander Schmemann Professor of Liturgical Theology at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, continues his legacy by actively participating in that body. As well, Professor Meyendorff is a member of the international St. Irenaeus Orthodox-Catholic Working Group, an informal group of Catholic and Orthodox theologians that has been meeting annually since 2004.

The mission of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center is to foster intellectual inquiry by supporting scholarship and teaching that is critical to the ecclesial community, public discourse, and the promotion of Christian unity. The Center was co-founded in 2012 by Fordham professors George E. Demacopoulos and Aristotle Papanikolaou. Dr. Papanikolaou, who holds the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture, also studied with Father Meyendorff. 

Remembering Father Meyendorff’s instruction and sensitivity to Orthodox-Catholic relations, Dr. Papanikolaou, said, “I had the privilege of taking one of Father Meyendorff’s classes at Fordham and having him as my advisor to my Honors Thesis. This chair will always remind us of his invaluable role in the story of Orthodoxy at Fordham.”

Dr. Demacopoulos, in noting the benefit of the new chair to the Orthodox Christian Studies Center, concluded, "Father Meyendorff’s combination of scholarly achievement and constructive friendship with the Jesuit community laid the foundation for the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham, and we are delighted to be able to honor him in this way."

See related post from Fordham University

Clergy and faithful from parishes across the Diocese of the West in the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) congregated at Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco, CA, for the consecration of Bishop-Elect Daniel (Brum) during the Hierarchical Liturgy. The new Bishop of Santa Rosa will serve as Auxiliary to His Eminence The Most Reverend Benjamin, archbishop of San Francisco and the West. His Beatitude The Most Blessed Tikhon, archbishop of Washington, and metropolitan of All America and Canada (OCA), presided, and six other hierarchs concelebrated.

Bishop-Elect Daniel was canonically elected by members of the OCA's Holy Synod of Bishops on October 21, 2014. On the eve of the consecration, the hierarchs celebrated the Rite of Nomination of the Bishop, after which Bishop-Elect Daniel gave an acceptance speech and then served Great Vespers for the feast of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg.

Seminary Chancellor/CEO, The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, and The Very Rev. Dr. Alexander Rentel, assistant professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies, represented St. Vladimir's at the consecration, along with many alumni and friends of the Seminary who live within the Diocese of the West. Father Alexander and Bishop Daniel serve together as canonical consultants for the OCA's Statute Revision Task Force; the newly-consecrated bishop received his degree in Canon Law (JCL) from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., in 1995.

"I've known Bishop Daniel for a number of years now," reflected Fr. Alex, "working with him on any number of projects, most recently the revision of the OCA Statute. I was honored to represent the seminary at his ordination, but also to be there as his friend."

At the conclusion of the Hierarchical Liturgy, Metropolitan Tikhon offered words of exhortation to Bishop Daniel. His Grace Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk, administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, also greeted the newly consecrated Bishop and presented him with an icon of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk.

• Read the full report on oca.org
• View the photo gallery
• Read Bishop Daniel's address

 The Reverend Deacon David George Daumit, alumnus and former member of St. Vladimir's Seminary’s Board of Trustees, reposed in the Lord on January 28, 2015, at the age of 59. Ordained to the Holy Diaconate on March 21, 2010, Dn. David had been serving at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ, with The Very Reverend Christopher Salamy.

St. Vladimir's Alumni Association Board Chair and fellow St. George parishioner Gregory Abdalah notes, “As a trustee and an alumnus, Dn. David was an excellent witness to the gospel and to the mission of St. Vladimir's. He provided a wonderful model of service and humility in his years as a student, and then later, when he served on our Board. As a mentor to many, his presence will be greatly missed.”

In addition to earning his M.Div. degree and M.A. in Religious Education degree in 1984 from St. Vladimir’s, Dn. David also earned an M.S. degree in Gerontology. While at Seminary, and following his graduation, Dn. David served as the Assistant Director and Director of the Department of Youth Affairs of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, and was also given a grant under the direction of The Very Reverend Dr. Joseph Allen, to research the creation of a Department of Ministry to the Aged.

Deacon David spent the last 25 years in the Senior Services industry, most of which have been in the Assisted Living sector. He started his first assisted living company, Potomac Group Home Corporation, in 1989. In 1990, in conjunction with the greater Washington chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, he developed the first specialized activities program for Alzheimer’s residents. He retired from Potomac Homes in 2004.

Deacon David most recently was operating New Dawn, an Assisted Living and specialty Alzheimer’s Care company, of which he was Founder and CEO. He had served on the National Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association, The National Board of Directors of The Assisted Living Federation of America, and several state chapter boards, including Maryland and New Jersey.

Deacon David is survived by his loving wife, Ronice, and three children, Rebecca, Harmony, and Travis; and three beautiful grandchildren, Addison, Jackson, and Nola; and brothers Rick and Ronald.

St. Vladimir’s representatives who will be attending Dn. David’s funeral include Chancellor/CEO The Very Reverend Dr. Chad Hatfield, Board of Trustees Treasurer Anthony Kasmer, Associate Chancellor for Finance Melanie Ringa, and Senior Advisor for Advancement Theodore Bazil.

The funeral schedule is as follows:

Sunday, Feb 1, 2015—Trisagion Prayers following Divine Liturgy

Thursday, Feb 5, 2015—Viewing from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. and Trisagion at 6:30 p.m., St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church

Friday, Feb 6, 2015—Funeral 10 a.m., followed by the Interment at Paradise Memorial Gardens

A Meal of Mercy will be offered in memory of Dn. David in The Legacy Ballroom following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church (4530 E. Gold Dust Ave., Phoenix, AZ  85028) in Dn. David's memory. All memorial gifts will be used for St. George's ministry to senior citizens.

Last fall, St. Vladimir's Dean The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr traveled to Germany, the UK, and Russia to offer presentations at academic conferences; then to Turkey to join a delegation visiting the Theological School of Halki and Istanbul at the invitation of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In 2015, Fr. John's rigorous schedule includes ten international destinations, as well as many trips within the United States.

The Dean's busy calendar reflects the Seminary's growing commitment to engagement with the broader Orthodox Church both at home and abroad. As alumnus His Grace The Right Rev. Bishop Basil of the Antiochian Archdiocese noted at the 75th anniversary banquet in November 2013, St. Vladimir's has had a "sustained impact on Orthodoxy throughout the world." To build on this legacy, the Strategic Plan 2020 submitted to the Board of Trustees in 2013, called for further global connections with other Orthodox academic institutions.

Plans are underway to establish the International Houses of Study on the seminary's Yonkers, NY campus, with the purpose of strengthening St. Vladimir's international connections through an exchange of students and professors from other Orthodox academic centers. Signed agreements with Orthodox theological faculty in Serbia, Russia, and Romania have paved the way for further collaboration. (Read about the agreements for a Serbian House of Studies and for the St. Philaret of Moscow Russian House of Studies, and for cooperative theological collaboration between St. Vladimir's and the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Romania.)

"Historically, St. Vladimir's has always led the way in building the unity of the Church around the world," notes Fr. John. "Every time I travel overseas, I meet with people who have been taught and encouraged in their ministries or academic pursuits, through the work of the Seminary."

The Dean's 2015 destinations will include:

• Milan, Italy, where the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy, Archdiocese of Milan, is sponsoring a conference in collaboration with other 13 theological schools, themed "Jesus Christ and the new humanism";
• Vienna, Austria, for a presentation at the University of Vienna and meetings with Orthodox communities and leaders;
• Colchester, UK, for a symposium at the University of Essex titled "Forgiveness and Healing in the Face of Moral Injury";
• Prague, Czech Republic, to participate in an international scientific doctoral and post-doctoral conference, "Ecumenical Reception and Critique of 20th Century Orthodox Theology in Exile and Diaspora";
• St. Petersburg, Russia, where he will offer a lecture as part of a series co-sponsored by the Postgraduate School of the Russian Orthodox Church and the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN;
• Madrid, Spain, to present a paper at the "Bare Life and the Moral Life Symposium";
• Oxford, UK, for a presentation at the XVII International Conference on Patristic Studies, in the Examination Schools in the High Street; and
• Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Bose, Italy, for two international Orthodox conferences.

View Fr. John's complete 2015 schedule.
 

The week began on Sunday evening with a presentation by St. Vladimir's Dean The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, who spoke on the process of critically analyzing contemporary challenges in ministry, and developing robust and meaningful theological responses. The first full day of meetings began with a celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Three Hierarchs Chapel at which alumnus The Rev. Theophan Whitfield presided, and Assistant Professor of Homiletics and D.Min. Program Director The Rev. Dr. Sergius Halvorsen preached.

One of the highlights of the week was a meeting with several teens from neighboring Virgin Mary Church (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America) in Yonkers, where SVOTS alumnus The Rev. Charles Baz is pastor, and Christian Sayegh is Youth Director. The session was guided by Fr. Joseph, who for many years has served as the Antiochian Archdiocese's Chairman of the Department of Youth and Parish Ministries.

By the end of the week, the D.Min. students felt a combined sense of exhaustion and inspiration. Many commented on how powerfully they had been affected by their experience with the other members of the cohort. Speaking to the students, Fr. Joseph said, "Seeing you come together as a cohort during this week has revealed the profound beauty of your hearts." 

Students also commented on how a program like the D.Min. gives them a rare opportunity to critically reflect on difficult questions, in an environment of spiritual support and academic rigor. Dr. Woloschak summarized the experience in this way: "I come away from this experience feeling truly enriched, and joyous. For a diverse group to come together like this, and have this kind of honest interaction about really important and difficult topics is a miracle. We should give thanks to God." Fellow instructor Fr. Joseph added, "I was deeply moved by the wealth of expertise and experience that the students have brought to these classes."

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. John Barnet noted, "This signals the full implementation of a degree program that was conceived, developed, accredited by the ATS, approved by New York State, funded by Protodeacon Peter Danilchick and his wife Tanya, and implemented—all in less than three years!"

With three weeks remaining in the D.Min. Winter Term, the students now return home to complete their semester projects. Following an academic calendar that is sensitive to the pastoral demands of the Orthodox liturgical year, the students will resume coursework in the Summer Term after Pascha.

Anyone interested in learning more about the D.Min. program or applying for the next cohort is invited to visit the DMin Program page, or contact Fr. Sergius Halvorsen, Director.