There is no "Missionary's Manual' for Sierra Leone, a West African country of magnificent natural beauty deeply scarred by the meanest forms of human brutality during the civil wars that lasted from 1991 to 2004. The religious question in Sierra Leone is not so much the bourgeois "What Would Jesus Do?" as "Where Is Jesus at All?".

How does one bring the "Good News" to a little boy who was forced by rebels to shoot his own father with an AK47 while his little sister was required to "dance" during the bloodshed? How does one bring healing to young man who has had his hand (or arm) amputated as punishment for casting a vote in a local ballot box? How does one bring hope to families that live on less than $1 per day, or to women who must choose between "soap or bread" at the market, to care for their children? How does one bring clean water and sanitation to areas in which 20% of children under the age of 5 are dying of dysentery?

"Orthodox Christians are pioneering a new chapter in missionary work in such post-conflict, post-war zones," said Fr. Themi (a/k/a Themistocles Adamopoulo), guest speaker at our seminary's first annual "Missions Day," who has ministered in Sierra Leone since 2007, and before that, in Kenya.

"In the Holy Diocese of Sierra Leone, there are seven West African nations, and in all of them, we are dealing with post-conflict situations," he continued. "We are adapting our mission strategies in each contextual situation. We are encountering the crucified Christ—the Christ without legs or arms, the beggar, the hungry. We are spreading the message of Christ in verbal and practical forms. Jesus is powerful in all cultures; I tell them about Jesus and from there flow all other gifts."

Indeed, many "gifts" are evident in "Freetown," the mission post city developed by Fr. Themi in Sierra Leone: an elementary school, a cottage industry for former women inmates, a church with four native priests and a deacon, and a supply of wheelchairs and prosthetic arms and legs for amputees. Compared to the post-war wounds he witnesses however, these fruits of his labor seem "like a drop in the ocean." "But," assured Fr. Themi, "one drop is better than no drop."

The seven African nations currently open to Fr. Themi's work are Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, and he has developed a general plan to initiate a mission in each. "The first thing I do," he noted, "is to meet with the President of the nation and the embassy leaders. I say, 'I want to help your nation. I will give you schools, clinics, and care for you amputees. Now, what will you give me?' And, they usually respond with a deal for tax-free land and security to protect the mission compounds. I am in constant dialogue with the governments."

At the conclusion of his absorbing lecture—which was sponsored by the Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity, based at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts—Fr. Themi alluded to his personal spiritual journey: from atheist to seeker to believer in the Crucified and Risen Christ; from rock musician to academic to missionary. He also reminded his audience that he had taught a semester at St. Vladimir's Seminary, under the guidance of retired Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Dr. Veselin Kesich. 

Lastly, Fr. Themi reminded his audience that all the mission fields now open to him require laborers. In response to his plea for support and future missionaries, two Trustees of the seminary, Tony Kasmer and Anne van den Berg, pledged the support of the Board of Trustees in sponsoring a seminarian from West Africa interested in a seminary education at St. Vladimir's.

Listen to Fr. Themi's lecture in the "Voices of St. Vladimir's" section of Ancient Faith Radio, here.

"Like" Fr. Themi's Facebook Page, and read his bio here.

Watch a goosebump producing video about Fr. Themi's work in Sierra Leone on his Website: "Paradise Kids 4 Africa," here.

As he took a military oath that dates back to the Revolutionary War, Hieromonk Kilian—a seminarian in the Master of Theology program at St. Vladimir’s—also became known as “Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Christopher Sprecher,” and a chaplain in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Hieromonk Kilian, who completed his Master of Divinity degree at the seminary in 2011, continues to make history here on our campus: he was the first monk to be tonsured to the monastic rank of “Lesser Schema” in our Three Hierarchs Chapel, in 2010; he now becomes the first monk on our campus (and perhaps the Orthodox Church in America) to be inducted into the U.S. Naval Reserves as a chaplain.

“Growing up in a Marine Corps family—both my father and mother were Marines—I was surrounded by the rhythms and discipline of military life. I believe my work as a Navy chaplain in this environment of men and women working under extreme stress and with the highest discipline as they offer their lives in service and protection of our country will be well served by the complementary rhythms and discipline marking out my life now: not only those imbued in me as a ‘Marine brat,’ but also those breathed into me by life in the Orthodox Church as a monk and priest.”

Father Kilian was sworn in by his uncle, Lieutenant Colonel David Searle, of the U.S. Air Force; and Lieutenant Marcus Williams, the U.S. Naval officer who recruited Fr. Kilian, witnessed his oath of office. Lieutenant Colonel Searle, just prior to administering the oath, recognized the serious commitment that Fr. Kilian already had made in promising service to God, and said that he had confidence that “Chris”—whose developing character he had observed since Fr. Kilian’s childhood—would be equally committed to his duties as a military chaplain. The ceremony took place in front of the flagpole that was newly dedicated on the campus during Orthodox Education Day this year, which had as its theme "For God and Country" and which honored the work of Orthodox military chaplains.

While pursuing his theological studies, Fr. Kilian recently was appointed rector of St. Gregory Palamas Orthodox Church, in Glen Gardner, New Jersey. This month the Hunterdon County Democrat posted an article and photo about his work as pastor at St. Gregory’s. Read it here.

Following 12 years of outstanding service to our Board of Trustees and the seminary, Attorney Michael Bress was honored at a celebratory dinner with the bestowal of the title "Trustee Emeritus," a gramata acknowledging his board contributions, and a beautiful icon of the Holy and Great Prince Vladimir, patron of our school. Although Mr. Bress is stepping down from his role as Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee of the board, he will continue as an adviser to that committee.

In reflecting upon his tenure as a trustee, Mr. Bress remarked, "Through the years I developed a great admiration for St. Vladimir's, from my exposure to the publications of its press, contacts with priests who are alumni, contact with faculty at lectures and retreats, in my local parish, and especially from all I heard of its contributions to the development of Orthodoxy in America in the last 60 or 70 years. I accepted an invitation to join the board, hoping to make some contribution to the support of this fine institution. I have not been disappointed. Seeing the institution up close and the work that has to be done to keep it going has enhanced the general appreciation I had for St. Vladimir's."

Also honored for their service to the seminary and board were Archpriest Jaroslav Sudick, rector of Holy Trinity Church, Yonkers, New York; outgoing Alumni Association Board Chair, Archpriest David Barr; and outgoing Executive Chair, Anne Glynn-Mackoul (See full story on Anne Glynn-Mackoul's departure as Executive Chair here.)

Father Jaroslav not only served on the Academic Affairs Committee of the board, but also, in his position as President of the Yonkers Board of Education, helped seminarians and their families in navigating the city school system and acted as a liaison between the seminary and the city administration. For many years, he mentored seminarians at his parish, and he forged a relationship between the seminary and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York that enabled the seminary to produce a major sacred music concert in New York City, St. Matthew Passion, by Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) in 2011.

Father Jaroslav further noted that although he is moving from Yonkers in January, to take up new residence in Virginia, he is "not retiring" from life and duties. Upon his reception of the gramata and icon of St. Vladimir, he said, "It is not a 'job' for me to do the things I have done for the seminary; that's what I'm here for. We're here on earth to do good things, to do good to one another, and I will continue to help the seminary in the future."

After five years of laudable service as Executive Chair of the seminary Board of Trustees, Anne Glynn-Mackoul stepped down from the position at the annual meeting of the board, held on our campus November 16–18. Alex Machaskee, retired Publisher, President, and CEO of The Plain Dealer—Ohio’s largest newspaper—and current Chair of the board’s Communications Committee, was elected by his fellow board members to fill the position; the term for Executive Chair, according to the seminary Charter, is one year.

Mrs. Mackoul was elected as the first ever Executive Chair of the board in 2006, at the same time Archpriests John Behr and Chad Hatfield were appointed to their respective positions as Dean and Chancellor/CEO of the seminary. In that role, she has acted as liaison between the seminary administration and the Board of Trustees, effectively cultivating efficient and meaningful governance by the board, and supporting the leadership and management responsibilities of the Dean and Chancellor. She also has taken great care to engage with faculty, students, and staff, and has participated regularly in chapel services and campus celebrations.

“In a process of prayerful discernment over the last few months about the particular needs of the seminary for the years ahead,” said Mrs. Mackoul, “it seemed to me to be the right time for me to step aside as Executive Chair and for the board to elect a successor to accompany the Dean and the Chancellor and, with the seminary’s President and Chairman, to lead the board through the next period.

“I am thrilled that the board has elected Alex Machaskee to serve as the next Executive Chair of the board, and that Alex has agreed to serve St. Vladimir’s Seminary in this capacity. His accomplishments professionally will be of enormous benefit to the seminary, but also—perhaps even more—will be his experience and insight gleaned from his many efforts on behalf of the Orthodox Church, internationally and here in the United States. As I assured Alex, Fr. John, and Fr. Chad, I remain committed to serve as a seminary trustee and to support the seminary’s leadership in their continuing efforts to ensure that St. Vladimir’s Seminary fulfills its important mission,” she concluded.

Mr. Machaskee now serves as President of Alex Machaskee & Associates, LLC, a firm based in Cleveland that specializes in Media/Public Relations, Strategic Planning, International Relations, and Marketing and Event Promotion. He has an extensive background in communications and management. As past Publisher, President, and CEO of The Plain Dealer, he was responsible for the overall policy, operation, and direction of the newspaper. He joined The Plain Dealer in 1960, and before being named Publisher in 1990, he had served for five years as Vice President and General Manager. Previously, he had served as Director of Labor Relations and Personnel, Assistant to the Publisher, and Promotion Director. He retired from The Plain Dealer in 2006. Before his career at The Plain Dealer, he worked as a sports reporter and general assignment reporter for the Warren Tribune.

Mr. Machaskee is a graduate of Cleveland State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by Cleveland State University in 1995, from the University of Akron in 1998, and from Heidelberg College in 2006. He has been presented with numerous awards throughout his career because of his commitment and leadership in the Greater Cleveland community, and he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethic Coalition Organization, one of the highest national awards in America.

Mr. Machaskee currently serves on the boards of numerous cultural and philanthropic organizations: he is immediate past Chairman of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC); in 2004, he was named Lifetime Director of the United Way Services. He was inducted into the Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame in 2001 and inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame by the Press Club of Cleveland in 2006. In 2010 Mr. Machaskee was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame and the Cleveland State University Nance College of Business Hall of Fame. (Read his complete bio here.)

Remarking upon his new position, Mr. Machaskee said, “I did not seek or intend to serve as the Executive Chair of the seminary Board of Trustees, mainly because I believe Anne Glynn-Mackoul has been an excellent Executive Chair, and I know that no one could replace her dedication and passion and professional execution of these responsibilities. 

“I am delighted that Anne will continue to serve on the board and trust that we, together with the entire board, will be able to build on Anne’s exemplary record of accomplishments,” he continued. “I intend to listen carefully to the various constituencies of St. Vlad’s, for example, the students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and obviously the Dean and Chancellor, in an effort to continue St. Vlad’s as the premier Orthodox theological seminary in the world. The work of the committees and support of the Board of Trustees are the cornerstones upon which we will build toward a glorious celebration of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of St. Vladimir’s Seminary on November 7, 2013.”

In reflecting upon Mrs. Mackoul’s tenure, seminary Chancellor/CEO Archpriest Chad Hatfield commented, “In my opinion, there could not have been a better person to inaugurate the position of Executive Chair of the Board of Trustees. Anne brought a sense of professionalism to the position, and her sense as a gracious hostess ensured that the transition into the new form of governance was able to evolve as effectively as it has.

“I look forward to working with Alex Machaskee,” continued Fr. Chad, “who again is not only a professional in the way he approaches church life but also has a remarkable reputation throughout the church as a philanthropist.”

Archpriest John Behr, seminary dean, presented Mrs. Mackoul with a gramata at the celebratory dinner that concluded this week's board meeting. During the presentation, he noted that the success of the new model of shared governance was "in large part due to the person Anne Mackoul," who so encouraged the new Dean and Chancellor upon their appointments in 2006. "She has dedicated huge amounts of time, energy, and love to our seminary," he concluded.

View of listing of our illustrious Trustees here.

Once in leadership positions in the U.S. Army and National Guard, Seminarian James Parnell is transferring those skills to his new position as Student Council President. Elected in May 2011, he heads up a fresh team: 3rd-year representatives Sarah Johnson and Andrew Boyd; 2nd-year representative Anoop Thomas (Treasurer); and 1st-year representatives Nicholas Roth (Secretary) and James Wiegel.

"Going into our second year as a Student Council, we are very excited about the impact it has had on student life,” says Seminarian Parnell.

“Upon my election, I stated that our job as members of the Student Council is to serve our fellow seminarians,” he continues. “I thank my fellow representatives for their efforts in doing just that from day one in May 2010, when the council was created.

“They've continued to do great things and to ensure that students have an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions as well as work closer with the staff and faculty than in years prior to the formation of the Student Council,” he remarks.

So far this year, members of the council have continued the work of Special Interest Groups, most notably the Environmental Interest Group, which is working with the administration to increase the storage capacity of campus recycling containers; and the Pro-Life Group, which is helping to organize the March for Life in January, as well as provide pastoral counseling training, so that our seminarians may help those whose lives have been affected by abortion.

“My vision for this year,” says Seminarian Parnell, “is one of continuing the programs that we've put in place and of increasing the role students play in utilizing their representatives.

“This semester, in particular, has been a time in which the Student Council has been able to foster an open and respectful dialogue on a number of sensitive issues and we are proud to be given this opportunity to serve our seminary community,” he notes.

“Finally, I'd like to thank all of the students and faculty who have shared their opinions and concerns with the Student Council,” he concludes. “I'd like to thank the Dean, Fr. John Behr, the Chancellor, Fr. Chad Hatfield, and the Dean of Students, Fr. David Mezynski, for their continued support and encouragement. They are always open to dialogue and cooperation with the students, faculty, staff, and all of their families, and that is a great blessing for us at St. Vladimir's Seminary.”

St. Vladimir's Seminary is conducting a survey to assist in the development of distance learning programs for the Doctor of Ministry, Master of Arts, and Continuing Education programs. The Rev. J. Sergius Halvorsen, associate professor for Homiletics and Rhetoric at St. Vladimir's, will be using the information from the survey to determine if distance learning programs present viable opportunities to the seminary and potential students. From 2000 to 2011 Fr. Sergius taught at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, where he also served as Director of Distance Learning.

Please click here to complete the survey on-line; please share the link to this survey with anyone who might be interested in these programs; and please complete the survey by Wednesday, November 16, 2011!

 

Director of Alumni Relations and Recruitment Protodeacon Joseph Matusiak today announced the results of the recent Alumni Board elections. Newly welcomed to the Board are:

• Khouria Stefanie Yazge (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, alumna 1986): Kh. Stefanie has worked for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Terre Haute, Indiana as an Assistant Professor in the Theology Department; she currently teaches part time at Seton Hill University, and is a published author for the series Encountering Women of Faith. She is married to another one of our alumni, Fr. Anthony Yazge (1988);
• The Rev. Angelo Artemas (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, alumnus 1989): Fr. Angelo is Pastor of St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, Glenview, Illinois; and
• The Rev. Christopher Rocknage (Serbian Orthodox Church, alumnus 2007); Fr. Christopher is Rector of Holy Resurrection Church, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 

These three will join Alumni Board Chairman Fr. David Barr and Vice Chairman Fr. Paul Hodge, along with Matushka Michelle Jannakos, Gregory Abdalah, Fr. Abi Chacko, Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos, and Vitaly Permiakov in representing our alumni of varied Orthodox Christian jurisdictions.

Archpriest Elias Bitar, who has been Lecturer in Liturgical Music (with a specialty in Byzantine music) and Practical Theology for nearly thirty years here at St. Vladimir's, was feted at our community's annual Thanksgiving Dinner, on the occasion of his retirement. Known for his rich and powerful voice, Fr. Bitar had earned the title "the voice of the Archdiocese" among seminarians. His resonant chanting and musical talent, and his kindness and concern for all, will be missed by students, faculty, and staff alike.

Recalling his days at the seminary, Fr. Elias said, "St. Vladimir's is a place where friends are made and their future is formed. I recall all these years with much joy and warmth, and I always pray that this 'cradle of education' will ever remain a burning torch for teaching Orthodoxy worldwide."

At the celebratory dinner—an annual event at which our community feasts on traditional Thanksgiving Day cuisine prior to the upcoming Nativity Fast—Fr. Elias was presented with a beautiful icon of the Holy and Great Prince Vladimir, patron of the seminary. Archpriest John Behr, dean, in making the presentation noted, "Fr. Elias, dubbed 'the voice' for his expertise in chant in the Antiochian Archdiocese, has been a highly valued presence and teacher at St. Vladimir's for many decades, teaching chant to many generations of students. His ministry here has been very fruitful and will continue to bear fruit in the lives of many. We are honored to be able to honor him this evening, and to continuing his legacy here."

Father Elias, who currently is rector of St. George Antiochian Christian Church in Little Falls, New Jersey, studied for his Master of Divinity degree at St. Vladimir's from 1972–1975, and subsequently earned a Doctor of Ministry from our seminary in 2001. He and his wife, Khouria Joanne, have served the parish in Little Falls since 1985. They have four children—Katrina, Sara, Martha, and Anthony; Katrina is a seminary alumna.

In October 2010, our Dean, Archpriest John Behr, visited the Theological Faculty of the University of Belgrade, joining in the celebrations for their (and his) patronal feast of St. John the Theologian. He spoke with both faculty and students at the university, giving a series of theological lectures; he also visited the new Patriarch, His Holiness Irinej, as well as various monasteries throughout the country.

During his Serbian journey, Fr. John was interviewed by "Studio B," a TV station associated with the Serbian Orthodox Church, for its series on "Spiritual Leaders"; the interview recently has been posted on YouTube. In this highly engaging interview, Fr. John shares some fascinating personal history, as well as the account of theological education in North America, and in particular, of St. Vladimir’s Seminary. As well, he expresses succinctly his approach to teaching the mystery of salvation and life in Jesus Christ.

Watch the interview here, and learn a lot more about our Dean and his teaching, which is being appreciated by Orthodox Christians in theological schools and parishes throughout the globe.

View Fr. John’s books: The Way to Nicaea; The Nicene Faith; and The Mystery of Christ.

Other scholars are noticing Fr. John's traditional approach, which demonstrates a strong and definite link between the theology that emanated from Scripture, continued with the church fathers and apologists, and was solidified by the ecumenical church councils; especially noteworthy is a mention of Fr. John's work in The Heresy of Orthodoxy, by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Michael J. Kruger; look inside that book on Amazon.com, pp. 53–54, here.

Under the guidance of alumnus and priest, Fr. Nicholas J. Solak, our first-year seminarians have begun their annual training for prison ministry. For the second year in a row, Fr. Nicholas is preparing our freshmen students for their Prison Ministry Field Experience, which will begin in earnest in January 2012.

In November and December, Fr. Nicholas will meet with students on our campus and will accompany them to an orientation at the Westchester County Department of Correction in Valhalla, New York, to acclimate them to the institutional climate. In January, our students will head up to that correctional facility each Friday morning to lead a small group Bible study among inmates.

“All together, throughout Spring semester,” noted Fr. Nicholas, “we will present seven Bible studies at the prison, each one of which will be followed by small ‘breakout’ groups between inmates and seminarians, and a debriefing session upon our return to campus.

“At the close of the semester,” he continued, “we will invite a representative from the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) to our campus to speak with the freshmen students. In this way, we hope to build a bridge between the seminarians and OCPM, so that our graduates will have a resource to turn to once they leave St. Vladimir’s.

“I attended the board meeting of OCPM this past August,” he concluded, “and their board is excited about and supportive of our efforts here at St. Vladimir’s.”

No stranger to prison ministry, Fr. Nicholas worked for 10 years in correctional systems prior to his priestly ministry, both in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, and in the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Connecticut. He currently is the rector of Holy Trinity Church, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and he leads a local Bible study at Monroe County Correctional Facility. Not only did he earn his M.Div. (’02) at St. Vladimir’s, but he also earned his D.Min. (’08).

NOTE: The seminary’s Prison Ministry Field Experience, like its Hospital and Parish Placement Field Experiences, is required of all M.Div. students; the Director of Field Education here at SVOTS for these programs is newly appointed Fr. J. Sergius Halvorsen.

Read an expanded reflection by Seminarian Adam Horstman about his prison ministry experience in the “Seminarians Speak” section of our Website, here.