Molieben of Thanksgiving served by Cathedral Dean The Very Rev. Michael Senyo, with choir responses led by The Very Rev. Thomas Soroka, rector of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, McKees Rocks, PA.
The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor/CEO of St. Vladimir's, as Master of Ceremonies for the event, made two significant announcements. First, the "Father Thomas Hopko Scholarship Fund," which provides seminary scholarship aid for sons and daughters of priests, was recently fully funded with $100,000 in total donations; and second, a faculty–staff duplex on the seminary campus will henceforth be known as "The Hopko House."
Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania; The Most Blessed Theodosius, former Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of All America and Canada; The Rev. Dr. John Jillions, chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America; The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, dean of St. Vladimir's; Catherine Hopko Mandell, daughter of Fr. Thomas; and members of The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA, where Fr. Thomas and his wife Anne often attend services. Additionally, Fr. Thomas Soroka made a presentation of an icon of Christ on behalf of Ancient Faith Radio, a media outlet for which Fr. Thomas Hopko has done 300+ podcasts.
Father Thomas served as Dean of St. Vladimir's Seminary from 1992–2002, and retired with the distinction Dean Emeritus. From 1968–2002 he taught courses in Dogmatic Theology, Practical Theology, Homiletics, and Spirituality at the Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Warren, Ohio (1963–68)), Wappingers Falls, NY (1968–1978), and Jamaica Estates, NY (1978–1983). Married to Anne Schmemann in 1963, the Hopkos have five married children (a son and four daughters), 16 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Father Thomas and his wife Anne now live in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.
“I hope you enjoy your time as a deacon, and always serve with love, joy and humility,” Bishop Irénée encouraged Dn. Kyle in his remarks. Seminary Dean The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr welcomed His Grace, noting that “it’s been a joy to have you join us on campus these last few days—it’s been 45 years since you last visited St. Vladimir’s.” The Bishop replied, “I’m glad to be here and worship with you—the music is even more beautiful than your recordings!”
Deacon Kyle was born in Calgary in Alberta, Canada, and spent his early years in the Anglican church before becoming active in several Evangelical churches. His interest in missions led him to participate in short–term outreach in Grenada (in the Caribbean) and in Uruguay. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Minor Greek and Roman Studies from the University of Calgary, and then worked in sales and marketing.
“It was my university studies that caused me to question my own Christian tradition and to look at other churches,” notes Dn. Kyle. “Eventually my inquiries led to my entry into the Orthodox Church, along with Leanne, the young woman I married in 2008.” After their wedding, the Parrotts enthusiastically embraced parish life at Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut Church in Calgary; Dn. Kyle served as a Reader, Mat. Leanne directed the choir, and both taught Church School. During a time of personal reevaluation the two decided to “take the plunge” and come to St. Vladimir’s Seminary.
Deacon Kyle has been serving at the Holy Trinity Church in Yonkers, NY (Orthodox Church in America) under the guidance of Rector The Rev. David Cowan. The Parrotts’ daughter Sophia was born in 2011 at the beginning of Dn. Kyle’s studies. Matushka Leanne is a gifted photographer and has chronicled many events for the St. Vladimir’s Website.
Clergy serving at the ordination included: The Right Rev. Irénée, presiding; The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, The Rev. Dr. David Meyzinski, The Rev. Dr. Benedict Churchill, The Rev. Aleksey Paranyuk, The Rev. Dn. Gregory Hatrak, and The Rev. Dn. Nicholas Roth.
On the first Saturday in October, over forty Orthodox college students gathered at St. Vladimir's for fellowship and spiritual encouragement during College Education Day.
The conference coincided with the 50th anniversary of the publication of Fr. Alexander's seminal SVS Press book, For the Life of the World, which both speakers claimed set them upon the path to Orthodox Christianity and deepened their faith in Christ. The book, translated into at least 12 languages, was first printed in 1963 by the National Student Christian Federation.
Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations at St. Vladimir's Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak organized and served as host to the conference, which drew from several Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) chapters on college and university campuses. "In this unique year," said Protodeacon Joseph, "our Events Committee decided to dedicate what normally is Orthodox Education Day to the spiritual growth of college and university students. It was an inspiring day for all of us, and we hope to find continued ways to minister to collegians."
Visiting students also gathered together for meals and conversation, and worshipped in Three Hierarchs Chapel: praying the Akathist Hymn for The Saints of North America and joining other members of the Seminary community for Great Vespers.
Students of the Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, MA (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America), Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, PA (American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Archdiocese of the USA), and Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) arrived to St. Vladimir’s Yonkers campus.
On Friday, October 11, the Seminarians visited St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, with whom St Vladimir’s Seminary has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship. Senior seminarian Saro Kalayjian led a tour of the grounds and facilities, while explaining the Armenian liturgical cycle to the visitors. After refreshments, St. Nersess Dean The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, presented each guest with a beautiful bound copy of The Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church, containing the Liturgy in both classical and modern Armenian.
Later that day, St. Vladimir’s seminarian Monk James (Stevens) escorted the group to the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Chancery in Syosset, where Archivist Alexis Liberovsky hosted a fascinating tour of the grounds and archives. “We had the opportunity to meet and get to know seminarians from different theological schools in a setting of true Christian fellowship,” noted St. Vladimir’s Student Council President Sandro Margheritino.
On Saturday, seminarians listened to several presentations. Chief Chapel Ecclesiarch The Very Rev. Dr. Alexander Rentel offered an overview of St. Vladimir’s history, structure, and mission. He noted the importance of OISM events: “All of us are called out by God for a particular purpose: service to God and service to one another. The relationships we form through the bond of fellowship are how God enters into our lives, forming us and challenging us. We have to have companions we can trust and depend on for support. If we truly seek to overcome the divisions that plague Orthodoxy in North America, this is how we do it.”
The wife of Middler Seminarian Burke Vair, Mrs. Vasi Jankovich, then gave a talk on International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). She highlighted the opportunities available to students in the upcoming year to participate in IOCC Action Teams in New Orleans, New Jersey, Oklahoma City, and Minneapolis, and noted that domestic and international internship programs are open for Summer 2014.
Finally, The Rev. Martin Kraus (Alumnus ‘02), rector of Holy Trinity Church in East Meadow, NY, spoke about his ministry in New York City through a program called the “Christian Kitchen,” a ministry dedicated to fulfilling Matthew 25 by serving meals and donating food and clothing to the poor of Manhattan and Long Island. “It’s not just about feeding people – it’s about creating relationships with people and serving Christ,” Fr. Martin said.
After lunch, visiting seminarians toured the seminary grounds and shopped in the bookstore before the official business meeting of OISM took place. Seminarian William Bennett of Christ the Saviour was elected President, and Seminarian John Martin of Holy Trinity is continuing as Secretary. Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville will host the next OISM event in the Spring.
Originally founded in the 1960s, the Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement (OISM) seeks to foster prayer, fellowship, and cooperation among seminarians of the Orthodox Church from across the North American continent. During OISM retreats, seminarians gather together and participate in a simple program that incorporates prayer, reflection, and discussion among the future leaders of the Church.
"Oktoberfest"—an evening of relaxation for students to welcome their semester recess—included Chef Nat's delicious bratwurst and spare ribs (look for his upcoming SVS Press cookbook release When You Feast), polka music, and fellowship with each other and faculty. Dn. Nicholas Roth organized the student get together.
The next morning, the St. Herman's Society for Orthodox Ecology kicked off the semester recess with Campus Clean-Up Day. After an 8:30 a.m. molieben to the Holy Spirit "At the Beginning of Any Good Work," students set out across the seminary with trash bags, gloves, and rakes. Five workers labored to render the 12–acre campus to pristine condition—often a challenge when surrounded by a populated surburban neighborhood.
Students appreciated the chance to take a mental break and focus on physical instead of intellectual labor. The Society for Orthodox Ecology is planning another Clean–Up Day in the spring, and brainstorming ideas to attract more volunteers.
This fall, two new Sessional Faculty members began teaching at St. Vladimir's: Lecturer in Liturgical Music Mr. Rassem El Massih, and Lecturer in Church History Mr. Ian Jones. Additionally, Mrs. Nina Matusiak began her new responsibilities as Assistant to the Dean.
Born in Moscow, Russia, Mrs Matusiak moved to Poland with her family when she was eleven years old. Wife of Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak, SVOTS director of Admissions and Alumni Relations, Nina holds a Masters Degree in International Relations with a concentration on International Space Law. Before coming to work at the Seminary, she was active with the Fellowship of Orthodox Youth in Poland, as well as with the humanitarian organization World Relief. Most recently, she was employed by Nokia Corporation, serving as an international geo-research analyst. Nina and Protodeacon Joseph are parents of two boys, eight–year–old Alexander and six–year–old Daniel.
Another international figure, Mr. Rassem El Massih was born and raised in Anfeh, Lebanon, where he studied Byzantine Chant under the tutelage of the renowned teacher Fr. Nicholas Malek. After immigrating to the United States, Rassem enrolled in Hellenic College in Brookline, MA, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies. He continued his studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, from which he will receive a Master of Divinity degree in December of this year.
During his time at Hellenic College and Holy Cross, Rassem continued to study Byzantine Chant while participating in the St. Romanos the Melodist Choir, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Choir, the Choir of St. Mark, and the group "Duniya." Mr. El Massih also directed a CD project in 2009 entitled "The Voice of the Lord: Selected Hymns from the Feast of Theophany." In the summer of 2013, he moved to New York and began serving as an assistant and chanter for His Eminence Metropolitan Philip of the Antiochian Archdiocese.
One of St. Vladimir's own, Ian Jones (M.A. '09) is a Ph.D. candidate in Theology at Fordham University, and is writing his dissertation on Greek and Latin patristic understandings of animals and human dominion over them. Prior to pursuing theological studies, Mr. Jones practiced as an attorney in his hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, and served as a law clerk in federal district court in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Under the direction of his Fordham doctoral advisor Dr. George Demacopoulos, Mr. Jones is seeking to articulate a patristic-based ethical vision for the treatment of animals today. While at Fordham, Mr. Jones has taught several semesters of "Faith and Critical Reason" to undergraduate students. This academic year, he will teach courses at St. Vladimir's on "The History and Theology of the Church from Origins to the Medieval Period," and "Christian Ethics and Ecology."
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Peter Bouteneff recently participated in the fourth Serbia, America, Bulgaria, Antioch, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The 2013 meeting featured more than thirty academic papers on the theme "Dogmatic Theology and Terminology in Orthodox Tradition and Today."
The University of Sofia, which is named for St. Clement of Ohrid, hosted the conference. Official greetings were received from His Holiness Patriarch Neophyte of Bulgaria, as well as from the university administration. At the close of the conference, participants visited the Monastery of St. John of Rila, located in the mountains south of Sofia. Founded in the tenth century, it is "a place of breathtaking beauty, and a testimony to hard–earned monastic continuity over more than a thousand years," Prof. Bouteneff noted.
"The IAODT presents a unique opportunity for Orthodox faculty from around the world to encounter and listen to each other," Prof. Bouteneff explained. "The conference themes always have to do with interpreting the past in the contemporary world. Seeing how Orthodox Christians in Eastern Europe and the Middle East confront this challenge, and how they experience the task of theology today, is truly illuminating." The St. Vladimir's professor has served as one of the Association's two vice–presidents since 2009, together with Dr. Michel Stavrou, professor of Dogmatic Theology at St. Sergius Theological Institute in Paris. The president is The Rev. Dr. Ioan Tulcan, chair of The Orthodox Theological Seminary's faculty in Arad, Romania.
Establishing a new tradition, St. Vladimir's Seminary hosted the first annual Father John Meyendorff Memorial Lecture with speaker The Very Rev. John H. Erickson, former dean of the Seminary from 2002–2007. Father John delivered the address"'Does Christian Tradition Have a Future?' Father John Meyendorff's Question Revisited" to an overflow crowd of students, faculty, and guests in The Metropolitan Philip Auditorium of The John G. Rangos Family Building.
In his introductory remarks, Seminary Dean The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr hailed the featured speaker as a leading historian, gifted musician, able adminstrator, friend, and mentor. Dr. Paul Meyendorff, son of Protopresbyter John Meyendorff and Secretary of the Faculty Council, then awarded a Doctor of Canon Law degree, honoris causa, to Fr. John, on behalf of the faculty and Board of Trustees. Father John is also The Peter N. Gramowich Professor of History Emeritus from St. Vladimir's, and many of his former students who learned both Canon Law and Church History from him were on hand to support and congratulate him. As Chancellor/CEO The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield noted later in the evening, it is the first Doctorate of Canon Law awarded in the Seminary's history.
The honoree also offered the homily at the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy in Three Hierarchs Chapel. His Beatitude The Most Blessed Tikhon, primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), presided over the day's events, which concluded a weekend of festal celebration for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
In his lecture, Fr. John outlined the challenges facing this generation's theologians and scholars. "Today's post–modernist world of historical scholarship asks, not only, whose voice is heard, but whose voice is absent, and why? Fathers and heretics aren't as easy to distinguish as they used to be: today's historians question original sources relentlessly, and are more suspicious of them and their conclusions. Today's students wade through a multiplicity of perspectives.
"In a world marked simultaneously by gullibility and skepticism, the answer lies in our sacramental tradition, and in the Eucharist," Fr. John went on to say. "The Eucharistone another and with God. We must be transformed by the Faith so that we can live it, and others can see it.
"The culture has lost all sense of past and narrative; in this situation, the people of God gathered in Eucharistic assembly will be the most powerful witness to the truth of Tradition," he concluded.
Beginning this year, the Meyendorff Lecture will usher in the fall academic season just as The Father Alexander Schmemann Memorial Lecture held every January on the Feast of the Three Hierarchs begins the spring term.Protopresbyter John Meyendorff's contribution to St. Vladimir's was immense; an outstanding scholar and churchman, he joined the faculty as professor of Church History and Patristics in 1959, while holding successive joint appointments as lecturer in Byzantine Theology at Harvard University's Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, professor of Byzantine History at Fordham University, and adjunct professor at Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary. Dean of the Seminary from March 1984 until June 1992, Fr. John also published widely in the fields of theology and history.
The beginning of an academic year is always exciting. We welcome new seminarians, we meet their families, and we begin new programs and new community assignments. Seniors consider what they will do once they graduate, while juniors learn how to manage their busy seminary lives.
The Academic Year 2013–14 is certainly shaping up to be a unique one. We are celebrating our 75th anniversary, we have inaugurated the first Father John Meyendorff Lecture, and we are getting ready to host the Fall 2013 Orthodox Inter–Seminary Movement (OISM) event. And this is only the beginning! We can look forward to many more exciting events throughout the year.
This year, we welcomed one of the largest incoming classes that St Vladimir's has seen in many years. We have 39 new seminarians joining 29 returning on-campus students, and 15 part-time and continuing degree students. This incoming class is roughly three times the size of my class!
This new class is also diverse. The new students come from various jurisdictions and Churches, age groups, academic and working environments, and cultural backgrounds. The international component is also very significant; we have students from Egypt, India, Estonia, Russia, and Canada, among others. We can all benefit enormously from the different traditions present at St Vladimir's through a respectful and enriching conversation among the various expressions of faith in Jesus Christ.
Additionally, we are not only living as neighbors, but through our community assignments we are asked to serve each other. This requires patience and humility at times, but it is a priceless opportunity to learn from one another, support one another, and establish relationships which will last for the rest of our lives. I cannot think of a better or more practical way of forming people who are going to serve in pastoral ministry and church leadership.
We don't just look inward, however. As we often state, we take on the task to communicate Orthodox Christianity to the world, inviting all to partake of the fullness of the Faith. In accordance with this principle, the student body elects a Student Council which aims to strengthen student participation in campus life, but also encourages outreach beyond the seminary community through designated projects, charities, and causes.
As Student Council President, I work with five other seminarians who represent the students of the Th.M., M.Div. and M.A. programs. At our first general meeting, I emphasized the importance of the Council, since it's been an effective liaison between the Administration and the student body these last few years. I also noted that we will continue to encourage outreach ministry beyond the community. In the past year, great work has been accomplished thanks to the two student interest groups, the pro-life St. Ambrose Society and the St. Herman of Alaska Ecology Group. Several students are also in the process of forming an interest group to focus on cross–cultural missions.
The 2013-14 academic year will be busy and will require a lot of work from all of us. However, we approach it with excitement and joy. Glory to God for all things!
Sandro Margheritino is an M.Div. student at SVOTS from the Diocese of the Midwest (OCA). Born and raised in Palermo, Italy, he was raised in a Roman Catholic family and came to Orthodoxy at the age of 18, after which he majored in International Relations – Political Science at the University of Palermo. Sandro's wife Anna was born in Moscow, Russia, and she currently works as an iconographer.Sandro has served as short-term missionary in Albania and Kenya in the past two years. Deeply inspired by his Italian roots, he is passionate about food and cooking, art, traveling and, of course, espresso!
During the past year, St. Vladimir's has partnered with Ancient Faith Radio to produce five podcasts celebrating the Seminary's 75th Anniversary Year. The Diamond Jubilee podcasts will culminate on Thursday, October 3, 2013, with a warm and informative program featuring Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko and titled "A Personal History."
The public debut of Fr. Thomas's interview will coincide with the day that St. Vladimir's first opened for classes in 1938. During it, Fr. Thomas—a seminary alumnus, faculty member, and Dean Emeritus—will describe the Seminary's early beginnings in New York City and its development throughout the decades.
The other Diamond Jubilee podcasts available from Ancient Faith Radio include:
· " 'Does Christian Tradition Have a Future?' Father John Meyendorff's Question Revisited" with The Very Rev. Dr. John H. Erickson, former seminary Dean, speaking at the first annual Father John Meyendorff Memorial Lecture (September 15th)
· "SVOTS Strategic Plan 2020," with The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, Chancellor/CEO of the Seminary (September 17th)
· "Theological Education in the 21st Century," with The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, Dean of the Seminary (August 28th)
· "Treasures of The Father Georges Florovsky Library," with Eleana Silk, seminary Librarian (June 14th)
"We are especially grateful to Ancient Faith Radio for heightening interest in St. Vladimir's Seminary during its seventy-fifth year," said Fr. Chad. "Our school has been blessed from its foundation in 1938, and these podcasts will be enduring archives to which future generations can turn to understand our history and our ministry to the Church and the world."
Ancient Faith Radio will also be podcasting the 75th Anniversary Gala Benefit Banquet event in honor of the Seminary's Diamond Jubilee, which will be held Thursday, November 7, 2013, at the Glen Island Harbour Club, New Rochelle, NY. Guest speakers will include His Grace Bishop Basil (Essey) of Wichita and Mid-America, of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, and The Very Rev. Dr. John McGuckin, professor at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University. Tickets for the event are available online.
