When Dr. Alice-Mary Talbot presented the fourth annual Father John Meyendorff Memorial Lecture on our campus recently, she opened a window into Byzantine monasticism that revealed a culture as rich and diverse as the personalities of the monks and nuns who embraced it. Her presentation, titled, Varieties of Monastic Experience in Byzantium, 800–1453, highlighted the many ways one could be a Byzantine monk or nun, and the continuous tensions in Byzantium between the eremitic (solitary living) and coenobitic (community living) forms of monasticism.
She also drew attention to the unique typicon, or rule of life, developed by each monastery, which originally was passed down orally and eventually was set down in written form. The order of life reflected in each typicon, she noted, depended on many factors: the circumstances of the monastery’s founding and its location and size; its spiritual director; and even the gender of its inhabitants.
Additionally, she gave examples of the multipurpose functions of monasteries within Byzantine society—from literary centers, to hospices, to hostels; as well as the multiform lifestyles demonstrated by individual monks—from wanderers, to pillar saints (stylites), to recluses, to anchorites, to unaffiliated solitary monks, to holy advisors.
All in all, said Dr. Talbot, who is Director Emerita of Byzantine Studies, Dumbarton Oaks, Byzantine monasticism was marked by “fluidity and flexibility,” and the several modes of monastic life had only a few things actually in common, such as taking of vows and renunciation of the world. Generally, she said, “autonomy and individualism” were often witnessed in both monks and monasteries. She concluded her lecture with a fitting quote from Philotheos Kokkinos, from the vita of Sabas the Younger: “Since there are many dwellings in the kingdom of heaven, thus the road of piety which leads thereto must branch into many pathways.”
Archpriest Alexander Rentel, assistant professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies at the Seminary, introduced Dr. Talbot to the audience, noting that her scholarly interests had often overlapped with those of Father John Meyendorff, former Dean of St. Vladimir’s, who himself had at one time held the position of Acting Director of Studies at Dumbarton Oaks, and after whom the Seminary’s annual lecture is named. Also in attendance at the lecture was His Grace the Right Reverend Paul (Gassios), bishop of Chicago and the Midwest, who was on campus visiting the seminarians who hailed from his diocese. A public reception followed the lecture.
Read an oral history interview with Dr. Talbot regarding her association with Dumbarton Oaks, undertaken by Jeanne-Nicole Saint-Laurent.
The visitors first spent an intensive day studying the Eastern Churches on their own campus, and then arrived at St. Vladimir’s in the late afternoon to shop in the bookstore, attend daily vespers, dine with our community, and hear a presentation in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium, offered by Bishop Massa and Msgr. Peter representing St. Joseph’s Seminary; and Dr. Peter Bouteneff, professor of Systematic Theology, and Archpriest Chad Hatfield, president, representing St. Vladimir’s Seminary.
The presentation centered on contemporary issues of common concern, including: the rising number of Christian martyrs in the Middle East and North Africa; moral conduct and ethical imperatives; missionary efforts in post-Communist countries; and the Great and Holy Council of Crete held during Pentecost 2016. In particular the presentation focused on the relationship between Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Department of External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church, and the “new ecumenism” that their friendship has spawned. Discussion time was also given to the historic meeting between Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Pope Francis in Cuba, which occurred in Havana in 2016.
“My personal hope,” said seminary President Archpriest Chad Hatfield, “is to see exactly how we can further expand our relationship.
“A second meeting, to be held at St. Joseph’s with our own seminarians and faculty visiting, is being proposed,” he noted, “and I am also up for a friendly basketball game!”
St. Joseph’s Seminary and College, founded in 1896, is the major seminary of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. It was authorized by the Board of Regents of the State of New York to grant the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1908, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in 1921, and Bachelor of Divinity in 1965. The New York State Education Department granted St. Joseph’s permission to offer the Master of Divinity Degree in 1971, and the Master of Arts Degree in Theology in 1987. In addition, St. Joseph’s has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1961 and the Association of Theological Schools since 1973.The Seminary is also affiliated with the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, which allows for seminarians to receive the Pontifical Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree (S.T.B.) and which represents an acknowledgement of the Seminary’s intellectual formation program as the ecclesiastical equivalent of the “First Cycle” in the Roman Pontifical University system.
The total number of seminarians, alumni, and faculty from St. Vladimir’s Seminary who were ordained to Holy Orders from July 2016 to July 2017 equals 35: 16 priests, 16 deacons, and 3 sub-deacons. Additionally, six of our alumni were either elevated in their rank or received an honorary award.
At the close of fall semester 2016, we presented brief biographies and photos of 13 of those who had already been ordained (see article titled, “Thirteen Students and Alumni Ordained”), and now, at the close of spring semester 2017, we are similarly presenting bios for the 21 others ordained, as well as short bios of those clergy who have received awards or were elevated in rank.
Axios, and Many Years to all!
HOLY PRIESTHOOD
Priest Herman (Raymond) Acker, Alumnus (M.Th. ’95) Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Eminence Metropolitan Philip (AOCANA) in St. Philip Orthodox Church, Souderton, PA, 20SEPT98 Priesthood: Ordained by His Grace the Right Reverend Thomas, Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland and the Mid-Atlantic (AOCANA), in St. Philip Orthodox Church, Souderton, PA, 9OCT16 Current ministry: Rector, St. Andrew the Apostle Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, Lewes, DE Educational and professional background: A.A. Fulton Montgomery Community College; B.A. Nyack College; M.A., M.Div., Biblical Theological Seminary; M.Th., St. Vladimir’s Seminary; D.Min., Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; Adjunct Instructor of History at Eastern University
Priest Isaac (Brandon Solomon) Danevicius, 3rd-year Seminarian (M.Div. program) Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Brooklyn, New York, and Washington, D.C., and assistant to Metropolitan Joseph (AOCANA), in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Little Falls, NJ, 23OCT16 Priesthood: Ordained by His Grace Basil, Bishop of Wichita and Mid-America (AOCANA), in Ss. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, Topeka, KS, 29JUN17 Current ministry: Student parish assignment at St. James Antiochian Orthodox Church, Poughkeepsie, NY, under the mentorship of pastor Father Paul Matar Educational and professional background: B.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology from Biola University in 2009; Fifth Grade Teacher at Cair Paravel Latin School in Topeka KS; Shipping Manager for the Institute for Excellence in Writing in Locust Grove, OK.
Priest Symeon (Douglas) Hadley, Alumnus (M.Th. ’06) Jurisdiction: Patriarchate of Belgrade (Serbia) Priesthood: Ordained by the Right Reverend Longin, Bishop of New Gracanica & Midwestern America, Patriarchate of Belgrade (Serbia), and presented for ordination by the Very Reverend Stavrophor John Erickson, former Dean of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, in the Cathedral of the Holy Protection of the Theotokos, Third Lake, IL, 13OCT16 Current ministry:Assigned as Priest for the newly formed St. Sebastian Orthodox Christian Mission, Charlevoix, MI Educational and professional background: former Episcopal priest
Priest Andrew Honoré, 3rd-year Seminarian (M.Div. program) Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Brooklyn, New York, and Washington, D.C., and assistant to Metropolitan Joseph (AOCANA), in St. Stephen the Protomartyr Church, South Plainfield, NJ, 16OCT16 Priesthood: Ordained by His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Brooklyn, New York, and Washington, D.C., and assistant to Metropolitan Joseph (AOCANA), in St. Barnabas Orthodox Church, Costa Mesa, CA, 25JUN17 Current ministry: Interim Pastor of St. George Orthodox Church in South Glens Falls, NY; SVOTS Student Council Member, and student officer of The St. Moses Society, a student-led group seeking to foster a greater conversation on issues of race and outreach in the Orthodox Church. Educational and professional background: B.A. in Liberal Arts; formerly enlisted in Navy Reserves and currently a commissioned officer in the Navy’s Chaplain Candidate Program; former restaurant owner
Priest Simon (Shiryl) Mathai, Alumnus (M.Div. 2016) Jurisdiction: Malankara Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America (SOC) Sub-Diaconate (Apodyaqno): Ordained by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, in the Church of the Virgin Mary, Paramus, NJ, 4JAN14 Full Diaconate (M'Shamshono): Ordained by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, in St. Ephrem Cathedral, Whippany, NJ, 13NOV16 Priesthood: Ordained by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, in St. Peter Syriac Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA, 13MAY17 Current Ministry: Serves as Associate Vicar for St. Mary's Syriac Orthodox Church in West Nyack, NY, and St. George Syriac Orthodox Church in New City, NY Education and Professional Background: Master in Public Health from Drexel University, MBA from Rutgers University; currently serves as a Senior Manager at Pfizer, Inc.
Priest Steven F. McGuigan, Alumnus (Special Student ’16) Jurisdiction: Diocese of Sitka and Alaska, Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Priesthood: Received as priest by Vesting by His Eminence the Most Reverend Nikon, Archbishop of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese, on behalf of His Grace David, Bishop of Sitka and All Alaska, in All Saints Orthodox Church, Hartford, CT, 19MAR17 Current ministry:Rector, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Juneau, AK Educational and professional background: A.B. (magna cum laude), Assumption College, Worcester, M.A. (Theology and Psychology); Study, Heythrop College, University of London; M. Div. (honors) St. John's Seminary, Brighton, MA; faculty, Grand Seminaire de Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Fellow, American Guild of Organists (F.A.G.O.); chaplain, recitalist and active member, American Guild of Organists (Berkshire chapter); former Roman Catholic priest
Priest Anish Skariya, Alumnus (M.Div. 2012 )
Jurisdiction: Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church of North America Sub-Diaconate (Apodyaqno): Ordained by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America, at Ss. Peter's Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, North Lake, IL, 31MAR12 Full Diaconate (M'Shamshono): Ordained by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church of North America, at St. Peter's Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, Northlake, Illinois on 7October06. Holy Priesthood: Ordained by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church of North America, at St. Peter's Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, Northlake, Illinois on 5AUG17. Current Ministry: Staff Chaplain, Houston Methodist Hospital Education and Professional Background: B.A in Christian Ministry & Counseling, Trinity International University, 2008, M.Div., St. Vladimir's Seminary, 2012, M.Th., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2013.
Archpriest Kirill Sokolov, Alumnus (M.Div. ’07) Jurisdiction: Diocese of the West, Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman, then-Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, in Three Hierarchs’ Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, 30JAN04 Elevation: Elevated by the Holy Synod of Bishops of the OCA to the dignity of Protodeacon in 2007, and in 2009, to the office of Archdeacon Priesthood: Ordained by His Eminence the Most Reverend Benjamin, Archbishop of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West, OCA, at Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, CA, on Bright Saturday, 22APR17; Concelebrants: Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa, Archpriest Chad Hatfield, and numerous alumni. Current ministry: Assigned to Holy Trinity Cathedral, San Francisco, CA; Director of Diaconal and Late Vocations for the OCA Educational and professional background: B.A. University of California, San Diego; M.Div. St. Vladimir’s Seminary; Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology in 2017; Director of Technology & 21st Century Learning at San Francisco Day School
Priest John (Edward) Valadez, 3rd-year Seminarian (M.Div. Program) Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Brooklyn, New York, and Washington, D.C., and assistant to Metropolitan Joseph (AOCANA), in St. John the Baptist Antiochian Orthodox Church, Levittown, NY, 13NOV16 Priesthood: Ordained by His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Brooklyn, New York, and Washington, D.C., and assistant to Metropolitan Joseph (AOCANA), in St. Barnabas Orthodox Church, Costa Mesa, CA, 24JUN17 Current ministry: Parish assignment at St. Stephen's Antiochian Orthodox Church, South Plainfield, NJ; Secretary of St. Ambrose Society, the Seminary's pro-life student interest group under the auspices of the Student Council Educational and professional background: B.A. in Art History from CSULB; butcher and Associate Team Leader at Whole Foods Market
HOLY DIACONATE
Deacon Levon Asdourian, Alumnus (M.Div. ’17) Jurisdiction: Armenian Apostolic Church Diaconate: Ordained by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Armenian Apostolic Church, to the Holy Diaconate, on the campus of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary at Commencement Ceremonies, 20MAY17 Current ministry: One year internship under the direction of a senior priest, followed by overseas training, either at Echmiadzin in Armenia, or in Jerusalem Educational and professional background: United States Marine Corps; B.S., SUNY Purchase College; and M.Div. St. Vladimir's and St. Nersess Theological Seminaries
Deacon Andrew Cannon (M.A. ’16) Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Holy Diaconate: Ordained by His Eminence the Most Reverend Alexander, archbishop of Dallas and the South, in St. John of the Ladder Orthodox Church, Piedmont, SC, 9APR17 Current Ministry: Assigned as Deacon and Pastoral Assistant to St. Basil the Great Mission in Wilmington, NC Education and Professional Background: Studied Classics at Furman University; former consultant at Furman University Writing & Media Lab
Deacon John (Rassem) El Massih, Lecturer in Liturgical Music, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, in St. Nicholas Cathedral, Brooklyn, NY, 5MAR17 Current ministry: Assistant to the Metropolitan, Protopsalti (First- Cantor) of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, and Lecturer in Liturgical Music at St. Vladimir's Seminary Educational and professional background: B.A. in Religious Studies with a minor in Human Development; M.Div. from Holy Cross Seminary, Brookline, MA
Deacon Daniel Greeson,3rd-year Seminarian (M.Div. program) Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of All America and Canada, in Three Hierarchs Chapel, at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, 3MAR17 Current ministry: Student parish assignment at Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Jersey City, NJ, under mentorship of Rector, Archpriest Joseph Lickwar Educational and professional background: B.A. in Religious Studies / Philosophy, Master of Library Science, Master of Theological Studies; formerly worked in libraries and title insurance
Deacon James Magruder, Alumnus (M.Div.’03) Jurisdiction: Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.,Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Beatitude the Most Blessed Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), in St. Andrew Church, Baltimore, MD, 7MAY17 Current ministry: Attached as Deacon to St. Andrew Church, Baltimore, MD, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., OCA Educational and professional background: Ph.D. in Art History from Johns Hopkins University, with dissertation focused on “Byzantine Cameos and the Aesthetics of the Icon”; Professor of Art History at University of Maryland
Deacon Simon Menya, 3rd-year Seminarian (M.Div. program) Jurisdiction: Patriarchate of Alexandria, Diocese of Uganda Diaconate: Ordained by His Eminence, the Most Reverend Jonah (Lwanga), Metropolitan of Kampala and all Uganda, in St. Basil Orthodox Church, Gulu, Northern Uganda, 13AUG17 Current ministry: Student assignment at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, New Rochelle, NY; participant in St. Moses the Black Student Interest Group Educational and professional background: B.A. in Education, Gulu University, graduated as a High School Teacher in 2011; served as Headmaster/Principle at Archangel Michael Orthodox High School, Northern Region of Uganda; candidate of Master in Educational Policy Planning and Management in Kyambogo University
Deacon Aleksandar Mitrovic, Alumnus (M.Div. ’11) Jurisdiction: Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada Diaconate: Ordained by His Grace, the Right Reverend Dr. Mitrofan (Kodic), Bishop of Canada, in Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Milton, Ontario, Canada, 19AUG17 Current ministry: Serves as a deacon to His Grace Bishop Mitrofan
Deacon Christopher Moore, 3rd-year Seminarian (M.Div. program) Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Grace the Right Reverend Paul, Bishop of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest, in Three Hierarchs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, 1APR17 Current ministry: Student parish assignment at Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, South River, NJ, under the mentorship of Rector, Priest David F. Garretson; student leader of the St. Innocent Mission Society, under the auspices of the Student Council; attached to Three Hierarchs Chapel Educational and professional background: B.M. in Music Composition; Administrative Assistant at Evangelical Baptist Missions organization; Woodwind Performer and Private Lessons Teacher; missionary with Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) since 2012
Deacon Joseph Olas, Alumnus (M.A. ’10) Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Grace the Right Reverend Basil, Bishop of Wichita and Mid-America, with the blessing of Metropolitan Joseph, Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, and His Grace the Right Reverend Anthony, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest, at St. George Orthodox Christian Church, Fishers, IN, 3JUN17 Current ministry: Parish administrator for St. George Orthodox Christian Church, Fishers, IN (Indianapolis) Educational and professional background: B.A. in Liberal Arts from Indiana University, M.A. in Theology from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary
Deacon Marek Simon, Alumnus (M.Div. ’01, Valedictorian) Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Diaconate: Ordained by His Grace the Right Reverend John, Bishop of the Diocese of Worcester and New England, in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, in St. Ignatius Chapel, Antiochian Village, PA, 4JUN17 Current ministry: Assistant Camp Director of the Antiochian Village Camp Educational and professional background: Pharmacist; B.S. in Pharmacy, Butler University; M.Div., St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary
Deacon Joseph Wesseler, Alumnus (M.Div. ’17) Jurisdiction: Western American Diocese, Serbian Orthodox Church Diaconate: Ordained by His Grace Irinej, Bishop of the Eastern Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in Three Hierarchs Chapel, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, 13APR17 Current ministry: Serving at St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church, Fresno, CA Educational and professional background: B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in Psychology from California State University, Fresno; Employed at Pro-Youth H.E.A.R.T. in Visalia, CA, an after school program providing homework help, supplemental math and reading work, and anti-gang and anti-drug education programs for youth
SubdeaconGeorge Ninan Manampuram, Alumnus (M.Div. ’17) Jurisdiction: Diocese of South-West America of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC) Sub-Diaconate (Apodyaqno): Ordained by His Grace Alexios Mar Eusebius, for the Diocese of South-West America of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC), in St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Bensalem, PA, 27MAY17 Current Ministry: Speaker at various youth conferences/retreats within the Diocese of the South-West America Educational and professional background: Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Widener University’ Masters in Counseling Psychology from Rosemont College; Counseling and Case Management Supervisor for victims of domestic violence at Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, PA
Subdeacon Bobby Varghese, Alumnus (M.A. 2017) Jurisdiction: Diocese of Northeast America of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC) Sub-Diaconate (Apodyaqno): Ordained by His Eminence Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, for the Diocese of Northeast America of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC); ordained with the name “Geevarghese” (George) Varghese, at St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Levittown, NY, 6MAY17 Current Ministry: Currently, Sbdn. Geevarghese Varghese is traveling to different churches and speaking at various events, retreats, and conferences. On a more local setting, he leads bible studies and prayer meetings at the homes of local parishioners. He remains as the Acolyte and Youth advisor at his home parish in St Mary’s Jackson Heights. In October, Sbdn. Geevarghese will go to Old Theological Seminary in Kerala, India; for a 6-month special program to complete his theological education. Education and Professional Background: B.S. in Psychology, City College of New York in 2012. From 2012–2014, worked as Senior Activity Specialist, organizing events and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities for the agency AHRC NYC’s Day Habilitation Center; M.Div., St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, May 2017.
ELEVATIONS & AWARDS
Archpriest George Corbin, Alumnus (M.Div. ‘06) Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Elevation: Elevated to the rank and dignity of Archpriest by His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, and His Grace the Right Reverend Anthony, Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Canton, OH, 23APR17 Current Ministry: Pastor, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Canton, OH
Archimandrite Jeremy Davis, Alumnus (M.Div. ’04) Jurisdiction: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (AOCANA) Elevation: Elevated to the rank and dignity of Archimandrite by His Grace, the Right Reverend Basil, Bishop of Wichita and Mid-America, with the blessing of Metropolitan Joseph, Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, in Holy Ascension Church in Norman, OK, 19MAR17 Current Ministry: Rector, Church of the Ascension, Norman, OK
Mitered Archpriest Sergei Glagolev, Alumnus (Class of 1949) Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Elevation: Elevated to the dignity of Mitered Archpriest by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, on the Feast of Pentecost, in Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow, Long Island, 4JUN17 Current Ministry: Retired; attached to St. Sergius of Radonezh Chapel, Orthodox Church in America Chancery
Archpriest Daniel Hubiak, Alumnus (Class of 1956) Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Award: Order of St. Innocent, Gold Class, presented by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, 25AUG17 Current Ministry: Retired; attached to St. Nicholas Cathedral, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
Mitered Archpriest Michael Margitich, Alumnus (B.S. Columbia University and St. Vladimir’s ’53) Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Elevation: Elevated to the dignity of Mitered Archpriest by His Eminence the Most Reverend Benjamin, Archbishop of San Francisco and the Diocese of the West, at St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Christian Church, Santa Rosa, CA, 17APR17 Current ministry: Attached as Priest Emeritus to St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Christian Church, Santa Rosa, CA
Protodeacon Iliya Toru Takei, Alumnus (M.Div. ’04) Jurisdiction: Orthodox Church in Japan Elevation:Elevated to the rank of Protodeacon on the Feast of the Entrance of Theotokos on Julian Calendar, 4DEC16 Current ministry: Serving the Orthodox Church in Japan 2009–Present; Metropolitan staff member in External Church Relations; attached to Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Tokyo, Japan
Photo credits: Lorraine Bernier, Aaron Brodeur, Fr. Nabil Hanna, Mary Honoré, Colin Miller, OCA archives, Subdn. Khalil Samara, Djakonitsa Adrienne Soper
During Fall Orientation 2017, we welcomed 25 new students to our campus. From Friday, August 25 through Tuesday, August 29, these incoming seminarians attended sessions structured to acclimate them to the rhythm and culture of seminary life. New students not only absorbed informational sessions but also participated in a series of activities designed to help them explore the nature of Christian vocation and build Christian community. Moreover, the incoming seminarians will continue to attend mini-Orientation sessions throughout September (View full Orientation Schedule.)
The incoming students represent a panoply of programs of study, ecclesial jurisdictions, and nationalities:
19 students in the Master of Divinity program;
3 students in Master of Arts program;
3 students in the Master of Theology program;
5 Eastern Orthodox and 5 Oriental Orthodox churches represented;
Breakdown of students in Master of Divinity program, by jurisdiction:
Orthodox Church in America = 32%
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America = 24%
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Patriarchate of Serbia, Patriarchate of Bulgaria, Armenian Apostolic Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the Malankara Churches, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, and the Anglican Church together = 44%
Breakdown of students in all degree programs, by country of residence:
USA = 84%
Bosnia, Canada, Lebanon, and Nigeria together = 16%
With these incoming seminarians included, our student body of full-time seminarians equals 80. Additionally, 3 part-time, 5 continuing, and 7 non-degree students are enrolled, bringing our entire student body total to 95.
View a video of incoming seminarian Zachariah Mandell explaining his reasons for coming to the Seminary:
Archpriest John Behr, The Father Georges Florovsky Distinguished Professor Of Patristics at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, recently received the highest honor bestowed by the University of Divinity, an Australian University of Specialization. On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, the Chancellor of the University, Dr. Graeme L. Blackman AO, conferred the Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) on him for his exceptional contribution to patristic theological scholarship and demonstrated commitment to building partnerships across the theological world, including with the University of Divinity, through St Athanasius College.
St. Athanasius College (SAC), which is grounded in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, is one of the 11 colleges that comprise the University of Divinity. It has been part of the University since 2012, and is renowned for the quality of its scholarship, service of the community, and contribution to Australian society. A St. Vladimir’s alumnus, His Grace Bishop Anba Suriel, Ph.D., is the SAC Chancellor and Dean. In 2012, Fr. John taught offered an intensive unit in Patristics at SAC, which attracted an exceptionally large enrollment.
The Doctor of Divinity is not only the highest academic honour the University bestows, but is also the oldest award of the University, created in 1910 and first awarded in 1913. The degree was last awarded in 2008 to Professor Gerald O’Collins. The University reserves this award for persons who have made a sustained and distinguished contribution to theological scholarship or to the wider community in the area of religion.
Father John’s Christian formation began in his native England and continued through his education in London and then Oxford, where he completed the Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy, and subsequently the Master of Theology from St. Vladimir's Seminary. These degrees have laid the foundation for his exceptional career as scholar, ecumenist, and priest.
Father John began teaching at St. Vladimir's in 1995, becoming Professor of Patristics in 2004. During his years of teaching, he has continued prolific research output, including more than fifty articles, on subjects as diverse as: “The Trinitarian Being of the Church,” “Let there be Light: A Byzantine Theology of Light,” and “Reading the Fathers Today.” In addition, he has written and edited books that have enriched the whole Church's appreciation of the early church fathers, with special attention to anthropology, the mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Nicaean formation of Christian theology. Father John also has worked courageously to reach across some areas of misunderstanding between the Eastern and the Oriental Orthodox communities.
In the citation during the presentation of the doctoral award, the Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, one of Fr. John's examiners at Oxford, was quoted as commending him as “without doubt one of the most significant English-speaking Orthodox theologians now working—certainly the most productive and positive in his generation.” Dr. Williams adds that his “major textbooks on the development of pre-Nicene theology and the theology of the Nicene Council have established themselves as first class digests of a huge amount of material, ...[providing] a good deal more than conventional summaries.”
Following the presentation of the award, Fr. John gave a graduation address about the place of learning in Christianity. Professor Wendy Mayer, Patristics scholar and Associate Dean for Research at Adelaide Lutheran College (South Australia), presented a critical response to Fr. John’s address.
St. Vladimir's Seminary,575 Scarsdale Road,10707,Yonkers,NY,US
Do you ever read the Epistle, or read the Psalms or other Old Testament readings at Vespers? Or, have you ever chanted the Hours? Or, have you ever wondered why Orthodox Christians chant when they read, instead of using a speaking voice? Then the “Workshop for Readers and Musicians,” sponsored by the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (Orthodox Church in America) and hosted on the campus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, is for you. Whether or not you are a tonsured reader, if you have ever read during liturgical services or simply want to know more about reading during liturgical services, we welcome you to be a participant in this workshop.
The workshop will address liturgical reading as a vital ministry. Participants will review the Church’s theology that guides and informs this ministry. They will also review rubrics and melodic patterns for reading, as well as methods for chanting the “Prokeimenon” and “Alleluia” in synergy with the choir. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to receive vocal coaching and practice. Workshop activities will be taught within the framework of a supportive community of fellow readers and liturgical musicians. Participants are also welcome to participate in the singing of Great Vespers at 6:30 pm in the seminary chapel.
The Very Reverend J. Sergius Halvorsen, Ph.D., assistant professor of Homiletics and Rhetoric at the Seminary, is Instructor for the workshop. He received his Master of Divinity degree from St. Vladimir’s Seminary in 1996, and completed his doctoral dissertation at Drew University in 2002. From 2000 to 2011 he taught at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell Connecticut, where he also served as Director of Distance Learning. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1999 and to the priesthood in 2004.
Father Sergius is an accomplished liturgical musician; he served as director of the 1995 St. Vladimir’s Seminary Octet, and over the last ten years, he has contributed to a number of "Archangel Voices" recordings.
Pre-registration is essential for proper planning. To pre-register, please download and fill out the Registration Form here, and send the formto: SVS Workshop, c/o 38 Pearl Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 by September 4, 2017. The suggested cost of the workshop is $20, and checks should be made out to Diocese of New York & New Jersey, and sent with the Registration Form. Please call (516) 437-5760 with questions. Or, pre-register on the Facebook Page of the “Commission on Liturgical Music—NYNJ OCA.”
Note to clergy:This class is approved for six (6) Continuing Clergy Education credits from the Orthodox Church in America.
At their meeting on July 24, 2017, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of St. Vladimir’s Seminary affirmed that the Seminary, in its teaching of theology on the issues of marriage and human sexuality, is guided by the document titled, “Synodal Affirmations on Marriage, Family, Sexuality, and the Sanctity of Life,” originally issued by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) in 1992.
Additionally, during their Semi-Annual meeting on May 19, 2017, the full Board of the Seminary unanimously adopted another statement titled, “Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs Regarding Marriage,” which was also adopted by the Holy Synod in June 2016. The first paragraph of that document states that “The Orthodox Church in America teaches and maintains as a sincerely held religious belief that God has established marriage as a lifelong, exclusive relationship between one man and one woman, and that all intimate sexual activity outside the marriage relationship, whether heterosexual, homosexual, or otherwise, is immoral, and therefore sin,” and then goes on to cite several scriptural passages upholding that stated belief.
“These two statements, originally issued and adopted by the Holy Synod, provide the public with a clear articulation of the fundamental Orthodox Christian teaching regarding marriage and human sexuality, as well as a recognizable moral guideline,” said Archpriest Chad Hatfield, president of the Seminary.
“And our Board’s recent actions regarding them assure that theological education at our school remains in alignment with the teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church,” he continued.
“Moreover,” Fr. Chad concluded, “our Board’s consistent adherence to the Holy Synod’s statements regarding marriage and human sexuality serves as a legal bulwark for the Seminary in matters of religious liberty.”
Specifically, the document titled, “Synodal Affirmations on Marriage, Family, Sexuality, and the Sanctity of Life” addresses a range of topics related to human sexuality and family life, within the tradition of the Orthodox Church, based in Holy Scripture. The “Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs Regarding Marriage” statement prohibits the use of church facilities for activities “contrary to and incompatible with sincerely held religious beliefs of the Church, including but not limited to, events, services, or receptions related to non-Orthodox sacraments (including weddings between persons of the same sex and related receptions), non-Orthodox worship services, and partisan political activities.” The statement also articulates fundamental beliefs of the Orthodox Church regarding marriage in terms that can be easily understood and applied by federal, state, and local government officials. According to the OCA’s website, the statement might dissuade “the necessity of probing inquiry or interpretation” by such officials, and might prevent them from transgressing “limitations imposed on them by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and by related federal or state legislation, such as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.”
Read the entire statement titled, “Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs Regarding Marriage” here.
Read the entire statement titled, “Synodal Affirmations on Marriage, Family, Sexuality, and the Sanctity of Life”here.
There’s an Ugandan proverb: “The path to your heart’s desire is never overgrown.”
Over the summer, seminary President Archpriest Chad Hatfield has been proving that maxim. Through recruitment efforts in both Nigeria and Uganda, he’s been clearing the path for more African students to attend St. Vladimir’s Seminary—fulfilling a desire recently arisen in his heart.
“African seminaries,” he noted, “which had been thriving under the Patriarch of Alexandria,” have lately been suffering and unable to continue to operate optimally due to the economic crisis in Greece.
“I want St. Vladimir’s to become an oasis for our African brothers during this time of hardship for them,” he explained, “and we look forward to building a stronger relationship with the Patriarchate in Alexandria as a result.
“Moreover,” he continued, “we will be training these African students at our seminary, to afford them a certain stature due to a certain high standard of education, so that they can become faculty and clergy in their own countries, and can then help rebuild their struggling seminaries.”
As the result of his efforts, two students from Nigeria are enrolled for fall semester 2017: Fr. Chrysostom Onyekakeyah and Loveday Okafor. As well, one returning student from Gulu, Uganda, Simon Menya, will start his third year this fall as a seminarian in the Master of Divinity program.
Additionally, Fr. Chad further smoothed the way for future African students by meeting with key clergyman from Uganda during an extensive journey within that country July 25–August 5. He traveled with Seminarian Menya—who had returned home for the celebration of his marriage—and was also joined by Seminarian Cornelius Schuster, who served as Best Man at Seminarian Menya’s wedding. Father Chad’s most important meeting during his trip was with Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga, who resides in Kampala.
“We spoke about theological education in Africa,” Fr. Chad related, “and I got his input on how St. Vladimir’s can better serve the needs of the faithful in his own Metropolitanate. We also spoke about a wide range of topics: everything from the education of local children through church-sponsored schools, to the Council of Crete. Of course, I had known about his episcopate for many years, because of my 16 years on the OCMC Board.”
During his Ugandan sojourn, Fr. Chad also visited major church communities and faith-based schools, teaching and preaching, observing and listening, and using his former experience as a missionary in South Africa to bond with native Ugandans. Moreover, he celebrated Seminarian Menya’s wedding—the first ever Orthodox Church marriage service in the Village of Gulu—and visited historic sites, such as Sir Samuel Baker Fort Patiko, dedicated to the abolishment of the African slave trade, and Murchison Falls National Park, home to the five biggest mammals in Uganda. (All of the St. Vladimir’s contingent accomplished the rigorous hike to the top of the falls!)
Father George Lakony—priest of three communities in Uganda: St. Basil Orthodox Church in the Gulu District; St. Nektarios Orthodox Church in Akonyi Bedo, Gulu; and St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Christian Community in Atwomo Village, Nwoya District—expressed his appreciation for Fr. Chad’s visit, by sending an email to the Seminary, which, in part, read (unedited):
Fr. Chad one can termed him as a walking Icons which instead of venerating, you simply greet, hug and talk to. Few days he was with us, we have already gathered lots of word to says about him following his holiness, humility, diplomacy, love and care.
One cannot meet Fr Chad and then remain without positive change in his or her heart. This is because he is so practical and speak practical words of our Lord Jesus Christ that we all witness in him when he taught about marriage in the Orthodox Church, the Dormition fast in our churches and taught the students of Archangel Michael Orthodox high school the meaning of what Christ means and how to be his followers plus the Names of all the Angeles we know and their intercession. (Read Fr. George’s entire email here).
“I’m the one who met ‘walking icons,’” said Fr. Chad when he read the touching email, “and they are the Orthodox people in Uganda. It was my privilege and honor to be with them, and to plant seeds that I hope will mature into vocations for the priesthood, and that will ‘sprout’ future seminarians, both here in Yonkers and in Africa.
“We’ve started a ‘St. Cyprian of Carthage Fund’ to sponsor the seminary education of our African brothers—and sisters too, if possible—and already we have been blessed with a $10,000 donation to that scholarship fund,” he concluded.
Approximately 30,000 Ugandans claim Orthodox baptism, and ranks of clergy currently include 48 priests and 7 deacons: read more about the fascinating history of indigenous Orthodoxy in Uganda here.
If you wish to sponsor African scholarship through the St. Cyprian of Carthage Fund, please do so here.
View a photo gallery of Fr. Chad’s Uganda journey here.
A major benefactor of our seminary, John G. Rangos, Sr.—after whom the “John G. Rangos Family Building” on our campus is named—was recently honored by Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. On Thursday evening, July 27, 2017, the University’s “John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences,” along with university President Ken Gormley, hosted an 88th birthday celebration for Mr. Rangos, who is also that school’s benefactor and co-founder.
Our Executive Board Chair, Alex Machaskee, and his wife, Carol, attended the celebration, as well as a private dinner following the event. Mr. Machaskee presented Mr. Rangos with a gift on behalf of the Seminary, and a cross from Mount Athos, as a personal token of thanks.
As part of the celebration, a special bust that was commissioned was unveiled to honor Mr. Rangos' extensive philanthropic support of Duquesne, which includes the naming endowment for the Rangos School, an endowed chair in health science ethics, and an endowed scholarship fund assisting students. Founded in 1990, the Rangos School offers undergraduate degrees in athletic training and health management, and graduate degrees in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, physician assistant studies, and a doctorate in rehabilitation science physical therapy. Programs emphasize both scientific and interpersonal aspects of clinical practice.
Mr. Rangos, a Greek American industrialist, has proven himself an outstanding philanthropist. In 2001 he was a lead donor in our Seminary’s campaign to construct the building on campus that bears his name and that houses our library, administrative offices, and auditorium. In 2016 the Board and Faculty of St. Vladimir’s Seminary conferred a Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa upon him, in acknowledgement of his generosity. Through his family foundation, “The John G. Rangos, Sr. Charitable Foundation,” he also supports myriad partners, associated with everything from cultural interests, to healthcare and research, to promotion of patriotic values.
St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary,575 Scarsdale Road,10707,Yonkers,NY,US
Archpriest John H. Erickson, our former Dean and the Peter N. Gramowich Professor of Church History Emeritus, will be “coming home” to our campus on Friday, October 27, to deliver the 2017 Annual Florovsky Lecture. The lecture, which honors another former Dean of our seminary, Archpriest Georges Florovsky, is being sponsored by The Orthodox Theological Society of America (OTSA), which will be meeting on our campus October 26–28.
Father John will speak on the topic, “Orthodoxy, 1917–2017: Searching for a ‘Usable Past’.” He will consider past models of engagement between Orthodox Christians and society that may prove useful in today’s world. The lecture, which will be held in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium of the John G. Rangos Family Building at 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow.
Father John has a plentitude of accomplishments as a scholar, author, ecumenical officer, and advisor on church affairs, given his expertise in canon law and church history, and music. His books include Orthodox Christians in America (OUP), The Quest for Unity: Orthodox and Catholics in Dialogue (SVS Press and U.S. Catholic Conference), and The Challenge of Our Past: Essays in Orthodox Church History and Canon Law (SVS Press); as well, he co-edited five volumes of liturgical music (SVS Press).
Please join us in hearing Fr. John’s incisive analysis of the past, and his hopeful application of history for today, and beyond!
