The Crestwood Historical Society has invited our seminary Chapel Choir Director, Hierodeacon Philip (Majkrzak), to present a lecture about Orthodox Christian liturgical music on Saturday, September 25th, in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium of the John G. Rangos Building on our campus.
HDn. Philip, who says that liturgical music has been "since childhood, one of my greatest joys," is eager to share the beauty of the liturgical services with members of the society and any guests wishing to attend the free and public lecture. Refreshments will be served at 10 a.m.; HDn. Philip will begin his lecture, titled "An Introduction to Orthodox Christian Liturgical Music," at 10:30 a.m.
The society has been a long-time friend of St. Vladimir's, and in 2008 presented St. Vladimir's with its "Exemplified Civil Spirit Award."
Have you ever wondered about the "harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals" mentioned in the Psalms, and the role instruments played in the religious, social, public, and private life of ancient Israel? Have you ever wondered why the Orthodox Church ceased using musical instruments in its worship? Then please come to a fascinating free and public lecture by Russian music scholar Dr. Yelena Kolyada at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium of the John G. Rangos Family Foundation Building on our campus.
Dr. Kolyada is the author of A Compendium of Musical Instruments and Instrumental Terminology in the Bible (Equinox Publishing, 2009), a reference book based on historical fact, linguistic analysis, and musical study, which draws on biblical translations and works by rabbinic teachers, church fathers, medieval exegetes, and contemporary scholars. The volume not only addresses the origin and role of musical instruments within the Hebrew culture but also traces the development of these instruments in post-biblical times, demonstrating their new symbolic significance in the writings of the church fathers.
Dr. Kolyada graduated from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and completed a doctoral thesis at the Vilnius Conservatory in 1987. In the early 1990s she was a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she gave lectures on early Russian hymnography. She also made a series of programs on Russian church music for BBC Radio 3 and World Service. She is the author of many articles on early Russian chant and modern Russian church music, on biblical themes in the works of Russian composers, and on the liturgical music cycles of the English composer Sir John Tavener.
This volume published in Russian in 2003 was awarded the laureate diploma as “the event of the year” in the first national competition of Orthodox books in Russia. It was also awarded the prestigious gold medal of the Orthodox St. Makarius Foundation.
Half-way around the world, in a church in Moscow, the famous Benedictine monk and spiritual writer, Fr. Gabriel Bunge, was welcomed into the Orthodox Christian faith on August 27, 2010. His reception into Orthodoxy holds special significance for our seminary, since Fr. Gabriel has written two exquisite volumes for St. Vladimir's Seminary Press (SVS Press): Dragon's Wine and Angel's Bread and The Rublev Trinity.
Moreover, and coincidently, other highly respected authors of our academic press were present as Fr. Gabriel was received into his newly chosen faith: Metropolitan Hilarion (Alefyev), archbishop of Volokolamsk, who authored Christ the Conqueror of Hell; Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware), bishop of Diokleia, who wrote The Orthodox Way and The Inner Kingdom; and Fr. Andrew Louth, Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University, who authored Greek East and Latin West and is the Series Editor for our press's Church in History series.
Father Gabriel was received into the Orthodox Church just prior to the beginning of the All-Night Vigil service for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, according to the Julian Calendar. Metropolitan Hilarion officiated and Metropolitan Kallistos concelebrated at the service. Mingled with the parish congregation was a delegation from "The Friends of Mount Athos Society," who were visiting with the blessing of His Holiness Kirill, patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. Congratulating Fr. Gabriel on his entrance into the Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Hilarion presented him with an icon of the Mother of God called “Joy of All the Afflicted”—which also is the name of the church in which Fr. Gabriel was received.
Fr. Gabriel, who lives in Switzerland, has been practicing an eremitical monastic life since 1980. He has been a contributor to numerous spiritual and monastic journals, and his books and articles demonstrate his expert knowledge of the writings of the church fathers.
Orientation Week 2010 concluded with a special visit from His Beatitude Jonah, primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and president of the SVOTS Board of Trustees. Metropolitan Jonah presided at the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, and his sermon centered on lessons that incoming seminarians might glean from the gospel reading for the feast day.
"You are embarking not just on an academic journey," His Beatitude stated, "but also upon a spiritual one—a 'podvig' as the Russians would say—an ascetic effort. The words of St. John the Baptist, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,' must be taken as a theme for the whole of our lives; for, authentic repentence leads to joy and healing and away from the slavery of our passions and egos."
Also concelebrating at the Divine Liturgy was Archpriest Seraphim Gan, rector of St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church in Sea Cliff, NY, a parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR). Fr. Seraphim was warmly welcomed by our Dean, Fr. John Behr, who expressed his hope for a deepening fellowship within the brotherhood of Christ.
Metropolitan Hilarion [Alfeyev] of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church and a permanent member of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow, was scheduled to concelebrate on the feast, but was not present due to illness. Metropolitan Hilarion traveled to the OCA Chancery on Monday, August 30, to contribute to the reflections within the OCA regarding its participation in the Episcopal Assembly process. Joining Metropolitan Jonah and Metropolitan Hilarion at that meeting, from our Seminary, were Archpriests John Behr and Chad Hatfield, and Fr. Alexander Rentel, Assistant Professor of Canon Law.
View a photo gallery of Divine Liturgy and fellowship hour.
Ever since our Dean, Fr. John Behr, made his extensive tour through the churches and seminaries of India in the Fall of 2009, St. Vladimir's has been strengthening its friendship with the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church in a series of cordial exchanges. Most recently, in August 2010, Fr. John welcomed His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Demetrios, Assistant Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese, to our campus, and in turn attended and spoke at a reception for His Grace at St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Bronx, NY.
Mar Demetrios is the Professor of New Testment at the Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kottayam, India, and also is Secretary of the Inter-Church Relations Committee of the Orthodox Church in India. As well, he is a member of the WCC Committee on Education and Ecumenical Formation. He has authored several books and articles, including the volume, Gospel of Mark: An Interpretation, and many articles about the Virgin Mary. Formerly, Bishop Demetrios served St. Mary's Church as a layman and a deacon, in the position of Sunday School Headmaster and Youth Leader.
Our Dean, Fr. John Behr, warmly welcomed new seminarians to the campus for Orientation Week 2010 by conducting a prayer service and by centering his welcoming remarks around a line from the Gospel of John: "Father, the hour has come" (Jn 17:1). Reminding the freshman class that the gospel passage referred to the hour of Christ's Passion, he noted that the "hour had come" for each of them to share in the Cross of Christ as they begin their theological studies. Fr. John also reminded the incoming class that they had taken a "further step out of the world" by enrolling at St. Vladimir's, with the intention of more deeply dedicating their lives to God.
Fr. John also gave two lengthy presentions—"Introduction to Seminary Life" and "The Crucible of Formation"—through which he introduced the new students to the history of the Seminary, the rigors of Seminary training, and the true meaning of "traditional" theological study.
"Theological study thus demands sweat and blood," emphasized Fr. John. "It is an ascetic endeavor that brings us face to face with our own weakness, brokeness and falleness, but also to an experience of the transforming grace of God, so that we can become ministers of this grace to others. What makes theological study traditional at St. Vladimir's is our fidelity to the gospel message of the One who died and rose form the dead, as proclaimed in the Scriptures and as handed down—literally traditioned—by the apostles. Our fidelity to Him who is the 'same yesterday, today, and forever' (Heb 13.8) allows us to think as the Fathers of the Church thought; engaging, challenging, and leavening the surrounding world until the end of the age."
The incoming class includes 16 full-time and 3 part-time students, from five Orthodox Christian and three Oriental Orthodox jurisdictions. Six students are enrolled in the M.A. program, 12 are in the M.Div. program, and two have non-degree status.
Both new and returning students are entering the rhythm of seminary life in preparation for Fall semester by attending Orientation Week, which runs from August 21–29. Students may view a complete Orientation Week schedule, which also includes details about the first few days of classes and chapel services.
We look forward to greeting old friends and new faces as we begin our academic year, and we look forward to worshipping together on the first major feast day, The Nativity of the Theotokos.
View our photo gallery of Orientation Week. We will add images as the week progresses, so look for your friends and relatives who have become students at SVOTS.
On Saturday August 7th, seminarians, children, spouses, faculty and staff worked together on a campus clean up. The clean-up part of a very hot day began at 9 a.m. outside the North Dorm where a crowd gathered to collect tools and receive instructions.
The first task was laying new mulch in the playground. Everyone was involved. Some hauled mulch in wheelbarrows. Children used their wagons. Others attacked “mulch mountains” with rakes and hoes. David Wagschal, who is joining the seminary faculty to teach Church History, showed his skills on the SVOTS tractor.
While most were working in the playground, Fr. Chad Hatfield, our Chancellor and a keen gardener, was working to tidy the flowerbeds and trees in the front of the Rangos Building. Once the playground flooring was in place, the crew moved on to tidy the shoreline alongside the Lakeside married-student apartments, collecting bags full of debris.
Some enthusiastic seminarians took garbage bags down to the base of the waterfall and collected the litter that had swept down from Central Ave. through Crestwood Lake. Our Dean, Fr. John Behr, and his family collected glass, bottles, and assorted other refuse from the Seminary’s border with Scarsdale Road.
Many filled refuse bags and blistered hands later, the community happily ate vegetarian pizza together on the veranda of the Germack Building.
“I was really impressed by the commitment to the Seminary that the community showed today,” said Fr. Chad. “Just about everyone on campus showed up cheerfully and worked extremely hard.”
Job well done!
Read more about our campus activities and see more photos of our campus family on Our Community page.
On Wednesday, August 18, 2010, His Eminence Christopher [Kovacevich], metropolitan of the Midwestern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada, reposed in the Lord, at age 82. Metropolitan Christopher had been undergoing treatment for brain and bone cancer.
A native of Galveston, TX, Metropolitan Christopher was one of 12 children born to Serbian immigrant parents. He attended Nashotah House Seminary, Nashotah, WI and graduated from Saint Sava Seminary, Libertyville, IL. After marriage, he was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood. He subsequently earned a B.A. at the University of Pittsburgh and an M.Div. from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA. He also completed courses and examinations for a doctorate at the Chicago Theological Seminary. Widowed, he is the father of four and the grandfather of nine. A complete biography of His Eminence is available on the Website of the Orthodox Church in America, http://www.oca.org.
Metropolitan Christopher was a member of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees from 1986–2007. The entire seminary community is praying for the soul of Metropolitan Christopher, and we remember with gratitude his service to St. Vladimir’s and to Orthodoxy in America.
Since the end of our Spring 2010 semester, four of our seminarians have been ordained in the Holy Orders. We congratulate Deacon Dunstan Lyon and Frs. Jason Foster, Lucas Rice, and Ignatius Warren as they broaden and deepen their service to the Church.
Our seminarians come to us from diverse professional and educational backgrounds. Their intriguing spiritual odysseys continue as they pursue their education here at St. Vladimir’s.
Dn. Dunstan was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. After high school he decided to attend the University of Minnesota, during which time he participated in two archaeological excavations in Messene, Greece. These excavations exposed him to Eastern Orthodoxy and led him to join the Minnesota Orthodox Christian Fellowship, where he met his wife, Nicki. After receiving his Masters degree in Art History and Archaeology (emphasis, Classical and Byzantine Archaeology), he felt led to the ministry and enrolled in the M.Div. program at St. Vladimir's, where he is currently in his third year. Dn. Dunstan was ordained to the diaconate on May 22, 2010 in Three Hierarchs Chapel at the seminary by His Beatitude Jonah, primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).
Fr. Jason has been married to his wife, Ashley, for 13 years, and the gracious and hospitable couple has six daughters: Addison, Savannah, Camille, Gabrielle, Saxony, and Mary Katherine. Fr. Jason is fond of saying: “You can follow my spiritual progression from a Baptist minister to a ‘high’ Anglo-Catholic to an Orthodox priest by noting the names of my daughters!” Fr. Jason was ordained to the priesthood on July 21, 2010, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, Atlanta, Georgia, by His Beatitude Jonah. He is the Annual Giving Officer in the Advancement Office at the seminary and is pursuing doctoral studies in theology under the supervision of Fr. Andrew Louth at Durham University in England.
Fr. Lucas is active in children's education, both on campus with the church school and at his parish assignment. In the seminary chapel, he is active in the Men's, Mixed, and Byzantine choirs and is a member of the Seminary Octet. He also conducted a homiletics course at St. Herman Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska during Spring semester 2010. He and his wife, Nicole, begin their third year at St. Vladimir’s this fall. Fr. Lucas was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 2010, at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, Brooklyn, New York, by His Grace Basil, bishop of the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America (AOCANA).
At the seminary, Fr. Ignatius assists in directing the Men’s, Mixed, and Byzantine Choirs during daily services and is a member of the Seminary Octet. He also conducted a pastoral theology course at St. Herman Seminary in Kodiak, Alaska during Spring semester 2010. Fr. Ignatius’s wife, Misha (née Jacob), a lifelong member of St. George Cathedral in Wichita, has completed her studies at Seton Hall Law School. Fr. Ignatius was ordained to the priesthood on June 27, 2010 at St. George Cathedral, Wichita, Kansas, by His Grace Basil, bishop of Wichita and Mid-America (AOCANA), and is in his third year of studies at SVOTS.
This autumn, we will welcome new faces—and old faces in new positions—as we begin our Fall semester.
We greet our new employees:
David Wagschal, an SVOTS alumnus (’02), joins us as an Instructor in Church History and Director of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Fr. Benedict Churchill, another SVOTS alumnus (’10), will assume his duties as Associate Director of SVS Press.
Gregory Hatrak, former Bookstore Manager at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, comes on board as our new Bookstore Operations Manager.
Matushka Thekla Hatfield, as a seasoned clergy wife, will coordinate our campus Wives’ Group.
We also wish our current employees well in their new positions:
Fr. Alexander Rentel, former Instructor in Liturgics and current chapel Ecclesiarch, has been appointed as Assistant Professor in Canon Law and the “John and Paraskeva Skvir Lecturer in Practical Theology,” an Academic Chair founded by our beloved Trustee Emerita, Elsie Skvir Nierle.
Dr. Peter Bouteneff, in addition to being Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at SVOTS, will take on the role of Director of Personal Formation for all M.Div. students.
Dr. Kate Behr, Professor of English at Concordia College, will be an Adjunct Professor of Literature at SVOTS, as well as the “Our Community” section writer for our Web site and our institutional Facebook page writer.
Fr. Steven J. Belonick will step down from his former position as Associate Dean for Student Affairs and, because of his long-time pastoral and parish experience, become our Campus Chaplain.
Fr. David Meyzynski, former Dean of Students at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, will act as Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Hdn. Philip Majkrzak, former Director of Music at St. Herman’s Seminary, will conduct our liturgical services as Chapel Choir Director.
George Kokonas, our steadfast Systems Support Specialist, has moved up as Director of IT.
Deborah Belonick, in addition to her duties as Advancement Officer, will assume the position of Managing Editor and News and Events section writer for our Website.
View our faculty and staff directories for more information.
