Is God wholly separate from the material universe? The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, dean and professor of Patristics at St. Vladimir's Seminary, asks this question of his diverse, virtual audience in the highly trafficked blog, Big Questions Online (BQO). "The editors at BQO have asked a number of theologians, philosophers, and scientists to write a short essay on a 'Big Question,'" explained Fr. John. "When mine is posted on October 23, I will be logging on to the site for a week or so to answer questions posted by readers. It should be interesting to participate in this venue, given the literate and engaged readership of BQO."

Big Questions Online is a publication of the John Templeton Foundation, a philanthropic trust which funds research across academic disciplines, and is often concerned with philosophical questions, and quests for life's purpose and meaning. Fr. John serves on the Board of Advisors for the Foundation, which is particularly known for fostering informed dialogue between scientists, philosophers, and theologians.

"We are so pleased that Father Behr accepted the invitation to participate," said Ansley Roan, consulting executive editor for Big Questions Online. "His expertise and knowledge allow him to bring important perspective to this fascinating question. We're excited to see how the discussion develops. It's a wonderful opportunity for our readers to ask questions and share their thoughts with him." 

In his essay's introduction posted on October 23, Fr. John wrote, "The relationship between God and the material universe—the world in which we are born, live, and die, as embodied, material beings; and the universe beyond this world with our increasing awareness of its immensity and, correspondingly, our smallness—is truly a perennial 'Big Question.' What is the 'reality,'" he continued, "if there is such, of this material world that forms the horizon of our vision and our thinking? What meaning does the fact that we are material beings embody?"

Join the discussion with Fr. John!

FAQ about Big Questions Online 

The WCC website reported that the presiding hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Kos and Nysiros, was joined by "His Eminence Metropolitan Prof. Dr. Gennadios of Sassima on behalf of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and His Eminence Metropolitan Mor Eustathius Matta Roham on behalf of the Oriental Orthodox Church."

Dr. Meyendorff attended the consultation as a representative of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), and chaired the drafting committee, which prepared a common Orthodox response concerning the theme of the Assembly: "God of Life, Lead Us to Justice and Peace." The statement, which affirms the commitment of the Orthodox to work for justice and peace on the basis of the Orthodox theological tradition, will be published on the WCC website.

Meeting on the island of Kos, Greece, amidst an atmosphere of economic distress and difficulty, the theologians and hierarchs prayed for the sufferings of the Greek people, and expressed the hope that they would soon experience relief from hardship. Throughout the week of the consultation, delegates visited several local parishes for worship, to learn about the realities of daily life in Kos. 

Some of the bishops and theologians participating in the consultation hailed from the Middle East, and they spoke to the group about new developments in the troubled region. Attendees expressed "their deep concern for the escalation of violence in the region, especially in Syria, (and) prayed for peace in the Middle East," noted the WCC's report afterwards.

Read about Dr. Meyendorff's participation in March 2011's Inter–Orthodox Pre–Assembly Consultation in Aghia Napa, Cyprus.

On Sunday, October 14th, the St. Vladimir's Seminary Octet joined the community at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church, Brooklyn, NY, where they had been invited to sing the Divine Liturgy by the parish's pastor, The Very Rev. Michael Ellias, SVOTS Class of '85. Octet Director Hierodeacon Herman (Majkrzak), lecturer in Liturgical Music and Chapel Choir Director, noted that it is a cherished seminary tradition for the choir to minister in nearby parish communities, which they typically do at least three times each semester.

Parishioners at St. Mary's have enjoyed a long history of such Octet visits. Some recalled the yearly visits of the group in previous eras, under the direction of David Drillock, professor emeritus of Liturgical Music. 

In addition to harmonious melodies offered by the Octet, seminary clergy also contributed to the day's events.The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor/CEO, offered the homily, preaching from the book of Titus on the topic, "The Living of a Virtuous Life." Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak, director of Admissions and Alumni Relations, also served alongside Fr. Michael and Fr. Chad throughout the Liturgy.

One of the parishioners at St. Mary's is well known to the Seminary. Mrs. Anne Glynn Mackoul is a long time member of St. Mary's, and is also a current member of the SVOTS Board of Trustees, on which she served as Executive Chair from 2006 to 2011.

"It was a wonderful day and really gratifying to me personally to see two parts of my world coincide—St. Vladimir's Seminary and St. Mary's Antiochian parish," said Mrs. Mackoul. "I loved being present while Fr. Chad and Pdn. Joseph served alongside St. Mary's pastor Fr. Michael, and hearing the all–male Octet serve as the choir on this one special day, in lieu of St. Mary's own wonderful parish choir.

"Almost as memorable," added Mrs. Mackoul, "was the warm and generous hospitality extended to the visitors by Fr. Michael and Kh. Laila Ellias and their family at their home afterwards, which reinforced the legendary reputation of Arab Christian hospitality."

As is often the case with such musical forays, the St. Vladimir's Press's "traveling bookstore," under the supervision of Customer Service Manager Mike Baez, also accompanied the vocal ensemble.

Listen to two selections sung by the St. Vladimir's Octet

With the waning autumn light as a backdrop, nearly thirty seminarians from an evangelism class at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York), joined our seminary community for the service of Vespers. The neighboring seminarians, who are studying under the guidance of St. Joseph's Rector, the Reverend Monsignor Peter Vaccari, filled the our campus refectory afterwards and joined the "regulars" for a delicious meal prepared by Chef Nat Fasciani.

A diverse group who hailed from locations as distant as Uganda, China, and the Philippines, the St. Joseph's seminarians commented on how much they enjoyed the Vespers service. For most of them, it was their first visit to St. Vladimir's. The event came about because Msgr. Peter had invited The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, SVOTS chancellor/CEO, to teach one of the sessions for his New Evangelization class, and so Fr. Chad extended an invitation to the class for Vespers and dinner as well.

After dinner, the guests convened in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium to hear Fr. Chad's address. He spoke about the Gospel mandate to evangelize and encouraged all of the gathered seminarians—both Roman Catholic and Orthodox—to remember that divisions "are a luxury we can no longer afford." The class resonated with Fr. Chad's description of the culture, which, he explained, is moving from a post–Christian era to an aggressively anti–Christian era, not only in the United States but also around the world.

In addition, Fr. Chad discussed the error of syncretism, and how important it is to preserve the Orthodox Christian faith in its entirety. He cited several examples of positive Catholic and Orthodox mission approaches, such as the one employed by Alaskan missionaries of earlier centuries. Students also expressed great interest in the discussion of one of this century's developing challenges, the competing goals of Christian and Islamic evangelization throughout the world.

St. Joseph's Seminary was founded in 1891 to serve the needs of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York for clergy. Its forty-acre campus is just minutes from St. Vladimir's, and over the years the two institutions have enjoyed a warm and cordial relationship. Recently, several greater New York Catholic seminaries merged to create one larger seminary, and St. Joseph's is currently educating over 100 candidates for Roman Catholic orders.

Monsignor Peter wrote, in a letter of thanks, afterwards, "I'd like to express my gratitude for your reception of my class on Wednesday evening at St. Vladimir's. Thank you for inviting us to join your community for Vespers and dinner, for your very thoughtful and thought-provoking lecture, and the time in your great bookstore." The Monsignor added that he plans to send a reciprocal invitation for the St. Vladimir's faculty to join the community at St. Joseph's for dinner and a program, in December. 

View the photo gallery of the St. Joseph's Seminary visit

In a joyous celebration of faith and culture, St. Vladimir's Seminary pulled out all the stops for Orthodox Education Day 2012. Approximately 1,000 people traveled from distances as far as Great Britain, and in groups—priests from Eastern PA, cadets from Annapolis, MD, and collegians participating in the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) retreat. The theme this year was "Inklings of Glory: Godward Journeys with Lewis and Tolkien."

"I think this year, we struck a perfect balance between education and festival," noted The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor/CEO. "It was such a blessing to see the Chapel bursting at the seams for the services, especially for the Akathist to St. Anna in the late morning. We are so thankful to St. Tikhon's Monastery for making the miraculous icon available to our community."

The packed schedule commenced with Divine Liturgy in the Three Hierarchs Chapel, with His Eminence The Most Rev. Tikhon, archbishop of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania of the Orthodox Church in America, presiding. Other visiting hierarchs and clergy included The Rt. Rev. Michael, bishop of New York and New York and New Jersey,  The Right Rev. Mark, bishop of Baltimore, The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, dean and professor of Patristics, The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, chancellor/CEO, and thirteen other members of the clergy.

A Hunger Games workshop for young adults, led by Dr. Kate Behr, adjunct professor of Literature at Concordia College; and a book study with The Rev. Dr. Andrew Cuneo, SVOTS alumnus (valedictorian 2010) and professor of Literature at St. Katherine College, San Diego, CA, featuring C.S. Lewis's work, The Abolition of Man, completed the morning offerings.

An Akathist dedicated to St. Anna, served in front of the weeping icon of St. Anna from St. Tikhon's Monastery, South Canaan, PA, inspired all who attended. (Listen to a talk by the icon's caretaker, Fr. Athanasy, HERE and HERE.)

Throughout the morning, workers under the tents busily prepared a smorgasbord of international food, featuring the cuisine of India, Greece, the Middle East, the United States, Serbia, and Russia. While dining at lunch, visitors could watch the Irish dancing performed by the Inishfree School of Irish Dance, featuring Zachary Barnet, son of Dr. John Barnet, associate dean for Academic Affairs at St. Vladimir's.

After lunch, Librarian Eleana Silk hosted an Open House in the Father Georges Florovsky Library. Throughout the day, an exhibit in the library of saints of the British Isles, displayed alongside a special icon collection by Sr. Joanna [Reitlinger], instructor of Leonid Ouspensky and Fr. Gregory Krug, intrigued and delighted visitors.

In the early afternoon, Dr. Christopher W. Mitchell, distinguished Director of the Marion E. Wade Center, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, delivered the first keynote, "Lewis and Tolkien: Scholars and Friends," to a standing room only crowd in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium. The second keynote, by C.S. Lewis Oxford scholar, The Rev. Dr. Andrew Cuneo, addressed "Christian Themes in C. S. Lewis." Rounding out the Popular Literature." A sacred music concert by the SVOTS Seminary Octet, as well as a Memorial Service (Panikhida) that especially recalled two departed members of the seminary community—Professor Veselin Kesich and Ann Holod Zinzel—preceded the Vespers at 5 p.m. 

View the photo gallery of Orthodox Education Day

 Listen to the Ancient Faith Radio audio of the keynote addresses:

   "Lewis and Tolkien: Scholars and Friends" with Dr. Christopher W. Mitchell

   "Christian Themes in C.S. Lewis" with The Rev. Dr. Andrew Cuneo

Read Fr. Alexander Rentel's morning homily, "'Ministering to God': A Reflection on the Life of St. Innocent of Alaska"

Two priests with connections to St. Vladimir's Seminary recently received 2013 Church Planting Grants from the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). Former Annual Gifts Officer The Rev. Jason Foster, priest of Holy Nativity of the Lord Mission, Shreveport, LA, Diocese of the South, received a second-year grant for his mission parish, as did alumnus The Rev. Dr. Joshua Lollar, priest of St. Nicholas Orthodox Christian Church, Lawrence, KS, Diocese of the Midwest.

Father Jason's parish is currently meeting at a community center for Divine Liturgy, and on Wednesday evenings Fr. Jason and Mtka. Ashley host the faithful in their home, for Vespers, Bible study, and dinner.

Founded in September 2002, Fr. Joshua's parish has a current attendance of some 50 faithful, who meet on the second floor of the Ecumenical Campus Ministries Building at the University of Kansas. Father Joshua also serves on the faculty of the Midwest Diocese Catechist & Diaconal Vocation Program, where he teaches Church History, Dogmatic Theology, and Spirituality.

"Each of these missions received a substantial grant—$20,000 for the second year—matched by the missions, in order to support the full-time ministry and missionary work of their priests," said Alumnus Fr. John Parker, who chairs the Department of Evangelization of the OCA.

"Because of limited funding, the grants were more highly competitive than usual," Fr. John added. The OCA received applications from missions across the U.S. and Canada, from the South, the Midwest, Alaska, Washington, and New York. 

The annual basketball game between St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS), and St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS) in South Canaan, PA, rescheduled due to Hurricane Sandy, will take place on Friday, February 22, at 4:00 p.m. The game will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church gymnasium, a few miles from the Seminary on 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle, NY. Following the game, St. Vladimir's will host the players afterwards for a post–game pizza fest.

Both teams are practicing hard and anticipating the spirit of friendly competition that characterizes the event. SVOTS alumni are invited to come and support the team, for what promises to be an exciting match–up. 

Editor's Note: On Friday, September 28, 2012, a van load of third–year students from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVOTS) traveled to the campus of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA, to participate in the annual Orthodox Interseminary Retreat. This year's speaker, The Very Rev. Dr. Irenaeus (Matthew C.) Steenberg, is the founder of Saints Cyril & Athanasius of Alexandria Institute for Orthodox Studies in San Francisco, CA.

The motivation behind the retreat, which is planned by Holy Cross Dean of Students Dn. Nicholas V. Belcher (SVOTS '05), is to bring seniors from the region's Orthodox seminaries together, including St. Vladimir’s and Holy Cross, as well as St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, PA, and Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY.

"It's a chance to begin to build relationships," explained SVOTS Director of Field Education, The Rev. Dr. David Mezynski. Deacon James Parnell, president of the SVOTS Student Council, reflected upon his participation in the retreat and its significance.

"Formation" is a big part of our life at seminary. We're bombarded with this idea from day one at St. Vladimir's, but that's often seen as "growing, and changing, becoming, or being molded," and those sorts of transitional ideas. It obviously assumes a certain degree of growing self-knowledge and honesty as part of a serious self–reflection. Yet, at the same time, the stresses of seminary life can mean that there is very little time for reflection, that is, time set aside for reflection on what we've done, who we are, and where we'll be going. To be honest, I was not initially excited about spending a weekend at a "retreat." It sounded like just "one more thing," when I had a ton of assignments due and a deep desire to spend some time with my family after a busy couple of weeks.

Yet having participated in it, I am so grateful that I attended the retreat at Holy Cross. Far from congratulating us and giving us applause, Fr. Irinei (Steenberg) gave us, through his talks, a real honest look at how our life would change next year. It gave us a lot to reflect on, and the best part: we were given the chance—the time—to reflect on our journeys at seminary and our future lives as pastors outside of seminary, which will come in just a few short months.

We also had the opportunity share our stories, fears, joys and tears with other seminarians from Holy Cross, St. Tikhon's, and Holy Trinity, and begin to develop some real friendships that will hopefully continue throughout our pastoral ministry all over the United States. I sincerely hope that events like these will continue, and I can't thank the seminary enough for making it mandatory!

At the heart of the St. Vladimir's Seminary campus stands Three Hierarchs Chapel. While most of the congregants of the Chapel are seminary students, faculty, and staff, others from the surrounding community of Crestwood and beyond also call Three Hierarchs their spiritual home.

Long-time member Bettye Malone is one such person. For over thirty years she has participated in the life of the Chapel, contributing her soaring, professional soprano voice to the choir throughout many of those years. Ms. Malone brought her children to church school and eventually, her grandson Skye Andrew Malone, an altar server at the Chapel since the age of eight, and also an avid Boy Scout. Currently, Skye is member of Yonkers Troop 4 (Westchester Putnam Boy Scout Council).

On Sunday, September 30, 2012, friends and family gathered in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium at 2:30 p.m. for Skye's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Only two percent of Boy Scouts reach the Eagle Scout level, and along the way they must accumulate twenty–one merit badges and complete a major service project, all by the time they are eighteen years old.

"Skye Andrew Malone has spent his entire life as part of our chapel community and it was pure joy to see him honored by his spiritual family and the Boy Scouts at an event that is really rather rare. We are all very proud of him," said The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, seminary Chancellor/CEO.

The Eagle Scout ceremony included the Scout Presentation of Colors, the flag pledge and the Scout Oath, presentation of the Eagle Scout medals, and a charge given by fellow Eagle Scout Dn. Evan Freeman, SVOTS Class of '09. Mr. Sean M.A. Hatfield, Esq., journeyed from Wichita, Kansas to deliver the keynote address.

"This will become increasingly meaningful for you in the years ahead," said fellow Eagle Scout Hatfield. "It's a long road to become an Eagle Scout, but in earning that rank, you have demonstrated to your troop, your friends, and family, and to your community, outstanding qualities of leadership and dedication."

Attorney Hatfield pointed out that 2012 is the 100th year anniversary of Eagle Scouts in America, and thus a propitious time for Skye to achieve the honor. "It is a very special time to be called into this rather exclusive group," he noted. "For 100 years Eagle Scouts have been the gold standard of youth and community leadership. Recently The Wall Street Journal compared earning an Eagle Scout rank to that of earning a 'doctorate in boyhood.'"

The Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project requires each scout to lead a team in a collaborative effort demanding hours of labor and organization. Skye and his seven other workers corrected a flooding problem on the Seminary's front campus, completing the project in two phases. First, he and his crew installed a drainage pipe, and then, they constructed two new benches to replace a fast-decaying marble bench. The team logged over one hundred hours on the beautification effort, the results of which will be enjoyed for many years.

Read more about Skye's project in Synaxis, the Seminary's blog

View the photo gallery of the Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony

On Monday, October 1, 2012, His Grace The Rt. Rev. Michael, bishop of New York, and New York and New Jersey, celebrated a special Service of Thanksgiving (Molebien) marking the 60th Anniversary of the priestly ordination of The Very Rev. Daniel Hubiak, St. Vladimir's Seminary Class of '51. The service took place at 1:00 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Jersey City, NJ.

A reception in the church hall followed and was attended by a delegation from the Seminary, which included Associate Chancellor for Advancement Theodore Bazil, Associate Chancellor for Finance Melanie Ringa, SVS Press and Bookstore Marketing and Operations Manager Dn. Gregory Hatrak, and Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations Pdn. Joseph Matusiak.

On behalf of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Mr. Bazil congratulated Fr. Daniel for his 60 years of priestly ministry, and presented him with a gramata [certificate of recognition] honoring him for his years of unselfish support. Father Dan has been Director of the Alumni Association, a member of the St. Vladimir's Theological Foundation, and a long-time member of the Board of Trustees, including membership on the Executive Committee.

Mr. Bazil remarked that "Father Dan is a man of integrity, optimism, and good cheer, and both he and his wife Dunia always brighten one's day by their infectious smiles and joy in life. Their guidance and wise counsel have been deeply appreciated."

Father Daniel and his wife, Matushka Evdokya—affectionately known as "Dunia"—have served the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) in several parishes: Cathedral of the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord, Brooklyn, NY; Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, East Meadow, LI; Saint Sergius of Radonezh Chapel, Oyster Bay Cove, NY; and Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Jersey City, NJ. Currently, he is serving as Temporary Rector of the Church of the Mother of God, in Mays Landing, NJ.

Father Daniel also served as Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) for fifteen years. In 1970, he was a member of the official delegation sent to Russia to receive the Tomos of Autocephaly from Patriarch Alexis. For several years in the 1990s, he served as the OCA's Representative to the Moscow Patriarchate, and as the first rector of the OCA's Representation Church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr, in Moscow.