St. Vladimir's Seminary Assistant Professor of Canon Law and Byzantine Studies and The John and Paraskeva Skvir Lecturer in Practical Theology Fr. Alexander Rentel, has recorded his "Travelogue and Final Reflections" featuring the recent SVOTS trip to Turkey, Greece, and Mt. Athos. Accompanied by the Orthodox Church in America's Diocese of the South Chancellor The Very Rev. Marcus Burch, Dean and Professor of Patristics The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, and Rufus Behr, Fr. Alexander and eleven students spent over two weeks on a pilgrimage and study tour in the historic heart of Byzantine Christianity.

Writes Fr. Alexander, "This trip afforded us the opportunity to visit the great centers of Hellenic Orthodoxy: Constantinople, Thessalonika, Mt. Athos, and Athens. All along the way we enjoyed warm hospitality, an opportunity for pilgrimage, the fellowship of each other, and the enormous fun of sightseeing and travel. Students were able to take part in this trip at a low monetary cost due to the generous benefactions of two anonymous donors who are great friends of the Ecumenical Patriarch and wished to help make possible this trip. Needless to say, the Seminary—and all of us who went on this trip—thank these two donors for their generosity.

"When Fr. John and I first conceived of this trip, we had in mind the importance that travel had in our formation. As is well known, travel broadens horizons and allows for the appreciation of different perspectives, and is an essential part of any formation....we wanted to give our students similar opportunities..." Read the rest of Fr. Alexander's "Travelogue and Final Reflections."

accompanied by SVOTS alumnus and Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America's Diocese of the South The Very Rev. Marcus Burch, SVOTS Dean and Professor of Patristics The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr and his son Rufus, - See more at: http://www.svots.edu/content/diary-pilgrimage-constantinople-and-mt-athos#sthash.pAr2I95F.dpuf

This trip afforded us the opportunity to visit the great centers of Hellenic Orthodoxy: Constantinople, Thessalonika, Mt. Athos, and Athens. All along the way we enjoyed warm hospitality, an opportunity for pilgrimage, the fellowship of each other, and the enormous fun of sightseeing and travel. Students were able to take part in this trip at a low monetary cost due to the generous benefactions of two anonymous donors who are great friends of the Ecumenical Patriarch and wished to help make possible this trip. - See more at: https://www.svots.edu/voices/faculty/travelogue-and-final-reflections#sthash.r8ySQ9L7.dpuf

This trip afforded us the opportunity to visit the great centers of Hellenic Orthodoxy: Constantinople, Thessalonika, Mt. Athos, and Athens. All along the way we enjoyed warm hospitality, an opportunity for pilgrimage, the fellowship of each other, and the enormous fun of sightseeing and travel. Students were able to take part in this trip at a low monetary cost due to the generous benefactions of two anonymous donors who are great friends of the Ecumenical Patriarch and wished to help make possible this trip. - See more at: https://www.svots.edu/voices/faculty/travelogue-and-final-reflections#sthash.r8ySQ9L7.dpuf

This trip afforded us the opportunity to visit the great centers of Hellenic Orthodoxy: Constantinople, Thessalonika, Mt. Athos, and Athens. All along the way we enjoyed warm hospitality, an opportunity for pilgrimage, the fellowship of each other, and the enormous fun of sightseeing and travel. Students were able to take part in this trip at a low monetary cost due to the generous benefactions of two anonymous donors who are great friends of the Ecumenical Patriarch and wished to help make possible this trip. - See more at: https://www.svots.edu/voices/faculty/travelogue-and-final-reflections#sthash.r8ySQ9L7.dpuf

Dean and Professor of Patristics The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr recently journeyed to Egypt as the guest of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria. The SVOTS dean was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Suriel of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions. Bishop Suriel is familiar with St. Vladimir's Seminary; during his years of ministry in North America in the 1990s he studied towards a Masters degree on the Yonkers campus and has served as a guest lecturer at the seminary's Eastern–Oriental Orthodox Symposium. In March of this year, Bishop Suriel visited the Seminary to discuss a cooperative relationship between SVOTS and St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College in Donvale, Victoria.

In Egypt, Father John spoke on "Orthodox Theological Education in the Twenty-First Century" at the "Theological and Ecclesiastical Institutes Seminar," called by Pope Tawadros to explore the spiritual formation of theological students. Held at the Anaphora Institute, a retreat and training center near the desert road between Cairo and Alexandria, the seminar featured talks by eminent Coptic bishops, clergy, and scholars.

such as the keep built by the Emperor Justinian." During the conference, Bishop Suriel arranged for Fr. John and Pope Tawadros II to meet. "For over an hour we discussed issues pertaining to the Coptic Church, St. Vladimir's Seminary, theological education, and how we might cooperate in future endeavors," said Fr. John.

"From the time I arrived and was warmly greeted and escorted through customs 'VIP style' in Cairo," added Fr. John, "my host Bishop Suriel could not have been more thoughtful and gracious. In one marvelous day, for instance, we visited the Egyptian Museum with its extraordinary collection of antiquities; the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo, with its amazing collection of very early frescoes; the various churches of Old Cairo including the famous Hanging Church; and finally, the 'Sound & Light Show' at the Pyramids of Giza. He also traveled with me after the conference to the monasteries in the desert of Scetis. At Baramous Monastery I spoke to the monks for several hours about my recent work on the themes of life, death, and our humanity." As the political situation became increasingly tense over the course of Fr. John's stay in Egypt, Bishop Suriel arranged for Fr. John to depart on an earlier flight, ensuring his safe passage to the Cairo airport.

After Bishop Suriel's March visit to St. Vladimir's, first–year Coptic seminarian Mina Andrews explained his contribution to the Coptic Church. "He is a pioneer in the establishment of the first accredited Coptic Seminary in the diaspora. His Grace's vision has been very much influenced by the late Pope Shenouda III and His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, and his work is not only recognized in his diocese but in the church at large." 

Listen to Fr. John's presentation, "Orthodox Theological Education in the Twenty-First Century"

SAVE THE DATES! The St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary Octet is scheduled for the following appearances:

November 10, 2013

Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church, Southampton, NY

The Very Rev. Alexander Karloutsos
The Rev. Constantine Lazarakis

View the photos of the Octet's visit 

December 8, 2013

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Stroudsburg, PA 

The Rev. Nicholas Solak                                          

Dr. Daniel Hinshaw, visiting professor of Palliative Care at St. Vladimir's Seminary, wrapped up his two week summer course titled "Suffering and the Nature of Healing," with a discussion of the Orthodox Christian understanding and teaching regarding sin, suffering, and death. "Feebleness, sickness and pain bring out the character of people," he noted. "For Christians, suffering and death are an opportunity for kenosis, the emptying of ourselves." Much of this same material is covered in Dr. Hinshaw's new SVS Press release, also titled Suffering and the Nature of Healing.

In the first week, the class learned about the nature of suffering and the role of the health care provider, while in week two they explored the deeper possibilities for healing, even in the context of death. Informal afternoon seminars complemented the morning classes; students viewed and discussed the theme of suffering in film, music, and literature. Dr. Jane (Carnahan) Hinshaw, a Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Health System and staff psychiatrist at the Mental Health Clinic at Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Medical Center, added input and helped guide the discussions.

"I wanted to challenge the students to think about how Orthodox Christianity can more effectively interface with secular health care," noted Dr. Hinshaw. As a physician, Dr. Hinshaw believes there are areas where modern health care practices intersect with traditional Christianity and the Church's understanding of health, but also important ways in which today's practices diverge from Orthodox teaching, and he encouraged the class to discern between the two.

"The value of a course like this is measured not only in the readings and assignments," noted Seminarian Ian Abodeely (course participant), "but also in the sharing of the incredible experiences that Dan and Jane have gone through in their lives as doctors and Orthodox Christians...all the readings of the course were expertly crafted to provide us with a new perspective." (Read more student feedback here.)

As a Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Hinshaw provides outpatient palliative care services at the University of Michigan Geriatrics Center. His clinical research interests are focused on end–of–life issues and the use of complementary medicine in the relief of pain. Drs. Daniel and Jane Hinshaw have both committed their lives to studying and offering palliative and hospice care not only in the U.S. but also in Romania, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Read about the Hinshaws' 2011 seminar at SVOTS, "Spiritual Issues in Suffering and Palliative Care." 

Listen to Fr. John's presentation, "Orthodox Theological Education in the Twenty-First Century."

Seminary Dean The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr recently traveled to Vree University (VU) in Amsterdam, Netherlands to participate in the colloquium "Orthodox Diaspora: a Place in–between—a Place of Encounter—a Place for Theology." Hosted by the Amsterdam Centre for Eastern Orthodox Theology, the gathering of scholars explored themes in the newly released title Introducing Eastern Orthodox Theology, by The Rev. Dr. Andrew Louth. Father Andrew, professor of Patristic and Byzantine Studies at Durham University, England, is currently visiting professor at VU University Amsterdam and a member of the Dutch Centre for Patristic Research (CPO). He also authored the SVS Press book Greek East and Latin West and is the general editor for SVS Press's The Church in History series.

From Holland Fr. John then journeyed to Cairo, Egypt, as the guest of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, to participate in the  "Theological and Ecclesiastical Institutes Seminar," which was called by His Holiness to explore a diverse range of topics, including: the role of monasteries in theological education; the spiritual formation of theological students; methods and means of instruction; and the history of religious institutions in the Coptic tradition. Held at the Anaphora Institute, a retreat and training center near the desert road between Cairo and Alexandria, the seminar featured talks by eminent Coptic bishops, clergy, and scholars. Father John presented the topic, "Orthodox Theological Education in the Twenty-First Century."

"It's been a joy to be able to participate in summer conferences this year in Italy, Amsterdam, and Cairo," noted Fr. John. "I have been engaged on a scholarly level in each venue, certainly, but beyond that, participating in each conference has allowed me to represent St. Vladimir's Seminary. I have been reminded once again of the impact the Seminary continues to have in Orthodox communities abroad." 

Deacons and diaconal candidates gathered from states like Colorado and Kentucky for four concentrated days of training during the 7th Annual Diaconal Practicum at St. Vladimir's Seminary. Led by Archdeacon Kirill Sokolov, director of the Diaconal Vocations Program for the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the workshop offered instruction on a broad range of liturgical celebrations, and dealt with matters both sublime (how to serve with a bishop) and practical (how to speak and vocalize).

Throughout the year, Archdeacon Kirill works with other mentors at the parish and diocesan level to encourage and train diaconal and late vocations students. In his workshops, he is able to draw from his own experience as an assistant to the metropolitan in hierarchical liturgies at church–wide celebrations and as an archdeacon serving regularly at the Diocese of the West's Holy Trinity Cathedral in San Francisco. A former SVOTS employee and lecturer in Liturgics, the Archdeacon now works as Director of Technology at San Domenico School in San Anselmo, CA.

effective vocal production so that the deacons could serve beautifully, intelligibly and with conviction." Regarding his session on public speaking, Fr. Sergius noted that "as an ordained minister of the Church, there will be occasions when deacons will be called upon to speak about our Christian faith, and to preach the Gospel. Possessing basic rhetorical skills will help them to engage these opportunities with confidence and with effectiveness."

On the final day of the practicum, His Grace The Rt. Rev. Michael, bishop of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (OCA), presided at Wednesday's liturgy, and afterwards addressed attendees. He told the workshop participants that deacons through the history of the Church have been known for exercising a variety of spiritual gifts: St. Stephen was called to witness with his martyrdom, St. Philip was a great evangelist. "Bring your talents to bear—you will feel drained and
strained but our Lord did too," emphasized His Grace. "Take the gifts God has given you and give them back to Him. When you serve, serve piously; learn the services and love them. But it's not all about liturgical pomp and circumstance; deacons have pioneered hospitals and schools and prison ministry too."

View the photo gallery

On June 14, the Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, Metropolitan Antony (Borispolsky), and the Chancellor/CEO of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Archpriest Chad Hatfield, reached a cooperative agreement between their two theological schools. The agreement offers opportunities for student and teacher exchanges; sharing educational models; development and execution of joint research projects; co-sponsored symposia, conferences, and seminars; and co-publication of educational and scholarly materials. 

Signing the agreement on behalf of the Ukrainian seminary were Pro-rector Archpriest Sergy Jushchik, Pro-rector Vladimir Burega, and Secretary Archpriest Rostislav Snigirev; Fr. Chad was the signatory on behalf of St. Vladimir’s. Accompanying Fr. Chad was the Secretary of the Archdiocese of Canada of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), Protodeacon Nazari Polataiko.

Following the official signing ceremony, representatives from each seminary exchanged scholarly publications published by their respective schools.—from the Website of Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary

The following day, Fr. Chad was received by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine, at his residence at the Kyiv-Caves Lavra of the Holy Dormition. During the meeting, Fr. Chad informed Metropolitan Volodymyr of the agreement between St. Vladimir’s Seminary and the Kyiv Academy and shared his hope that it will prove beneficial to both schools. In response, Metropolitan Volodymyr emphasized the importance of such cooperative initiatives which, until recent times, would have been impossible. Also in attendance were His Eminence, Archbishop Alexander of Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi and Protodeacon Nazari.—from the Website of the Orthodox Church in America

Read about St. Vladimir’s other discussions and cooperative efforts with St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox College, Donvale, Victoria, Australia; the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at University of Bucharest, Romania; and the Faculty of Theology at the University of Belgrade, Serbia.

Pastoral Theology, and seminary alumnus  The Rev. Dr. Nicholas J. Solak ('02), rector of Holy Trinity Church, Stroudsburg, PA.  Featuring interactive conversation, the workshop focused on interpersonal (rather than group) conflict resolution skills.

"We had a lively discussion about a variety of issues our attendees are dealing with at work and in their personal lives, such as negotiating day to day expectations of the workplace and home and discerning the presence of God even amidst the conflicts of life," noted Fr. Nicholas. 

Reflecting upon the workshop, Dr. Rossi said, "Workshop participants especially resonated with the focus on Christ as the 'resolver' of our conflicts. Christ does for us what we cannot do by ourselves."

Clergy participating in St. Vladimir's Seminary's programs will receive credit from the Department of Continuing Education of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).

In the first week of June, St. Vladimir's Seminary hosted the 84th North American Orthodox–Catholic Theological Consultation, the oldest official dialogue between the two Churches in the modern era. The bi-annual dialogue is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and South America.

Since its establishment in 1965, the Consultation has now issued more than 20 agreed statements on various topics. All these texts are now available on the USCCB Website.

The Very Rev. John Erickson, former dean of St. Vladimir's, and Dr. Paul Meyendorff, professor of Liturgical Theology at the Seminary, are members of the group and participated in the meeting. "During our discussions," said Professor Meyendorff, "we focused on the role of the laity in the life of the Church, as well as on the contentious question of priestly celibacy." 

St. Vladimir's Chancellor/CEO The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield recently participated in an interfaith conference in Washington, D.C., which addressed common concerns related to religious freedom. "Many Faiths – One America" was the theme, and prior to his own presentation, Fr. Chad was asked to speak to several media outlets, including Religious News Service and Catholic News Service.

C–Span and EWTN covered the entire event. Go here to view the presentations of panelists representing Islam, the Sikh–American community, the African–American Pentecostal churches, and the Orthodox Jewish faith, along with SVOTS' Chancellor; Fr. Chad's segment begins at 44:45.

Photos: James O'Gara Photography