The "Hellenism & Orthodoxy" symposium, held on the seminary campus June 10–12, 2010, generated frank and lively discussion concerning the unity of, and relations between, Orthodox churches in North America. Conference speakers and participants respectfully wrestled with a variety of difficult issues related to the ecclesial structure of Orthodoxy in North America: the interpretation of Canon 28 of the Council of Chalcedon, the definition of "diaspora," ethnic identity, and especially, the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).
Presenters at the symposium first explored the historical roots of Hellenism and then noted its lasting and profound effects on the cultural, linguistic, and canonical history of the Orthodox Church. Most intriguing were the keynote addresses given by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, titled "Hellenism and Orthodoxy: A Linguistic and Spiritual Journey," and by Archimandrite Elpidophoros Lambriniadis, chief secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, titled "Greek Orthodoxy, the Ecumenical Patriarachate, and the Church in the USA."
Many of the lectures are archived as podcasts on Orthodox Christian Network (OCN).
From June 3–6, 2010, SVS Dean Fr. John Behr and faculty member Dr. Peter Bouteneff participated in an international patristics conference at the Volos Academy for Theological Studies in Greece. The conference was organized in collaboration with the Orthodox Christian Studies Program of Fordham University, the Chair of Orthodox Theology of Münster University, and the Romanian Institute for Inter-Orthodox, Inter–Confessional, and Inter-Religious Studies (INTER) Cluj-Napoca. The conference, titled "Neo-Patristic Synthesis or Post-Patristic Theology: Can Orthodox Theology Be Contextual?" included an impressive list of European and U.S. patristics scholars.
On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14, 2010, St. Vladimir’s Seminary will bestow the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa on Professor Christos Yannaras, a leading Greek Orthodox ethicist. Professor Yannaras has authored more than a dozen books on ethics, theology, and modern religious philosophy, including one by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press titled The Freedom of Morality.
At the academic convocation, during which the honorary degree will be bestowed, Professor Yannaras will present a free and public lecture, “The Trinity and Freedom,” and an open reception will follow. Please join us for this event, beginning with Vespers in Three Hierarchs Chapel at 6 p.m. The convocation will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium of the John G. Rangos Family Building.
Those wishing to worship with us at the 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy and to enjoy a brunch following are welcome. The Choir of the School of Orthodox Theology at the University of Belgrade will sing the responses at the liturgical services and will present a short concert at the academic ceremony. His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah, primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and His Grace Maxim, bishop of the Diocese of Western America of the Serbian Orthodox Church, will concelebrate the Divine Liturgy. For further information, contact events@svots.edu.
New and returning students are entering the rhythm of seminary life in preparation for Fall semester 2010 by attending Orientation Week, 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.
Prepare for a holy pilgrimage and expect a multi-cultural immersion experience this year at our annual campus event, "Orthodox Education Day," on Saturday, October 2nd.
Our campus will be especially graced to receive from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, an exact replica of the famed Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. As well, the curator of Antiochian Heritage Museum, Julia Ritter, will hand deliver a superb exhibit of 15th–19th century icons, Arabic manuscripts, and Syrian artifacts—never before seen in this area. Additionally, "The Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir," "The Boston Byzantine Choir," and "St. Nino's Georgian Orthodox Choir" will present concerts of liturgical music in our chapel.
Archpriest Michael Oleksa will set the tone for this year's theme “Many Cultures, One Faith,” in his keynote about Alaska Native history. Father Michael has spent the last forty years in Alaska, serving as village priest, university professor, and consultant on intercultural relations and communications.
What other sights, sounds, tastes, and discoveries can you expect on the day? Music and folk dance groups from New York City's boroughs, ethnic dishes and delicacies, and colorful exhibits will introduce you to the religious traditions and cultural customs of peoples from both the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches. Special displays will include watercolors by Alaskan artist Matushka Xenia Oleksa, and an exquisite photo gallery of Ukrainian women monastics.
Hands-on and How-to workshops will range from decorating Ukrainian Pysanky to learning folk dances. The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) will present a special workshop on missionary activities around the globe, from Africa to South America to the Far East.
We've also included a panel discussion titled "The Road to Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Unity" which will be led by faculty from St. Vladimir's and St. Nersess Armenian seminaries and which will explore the historic divide between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches. Since our student body encompasses seminarians from both backgrounds, and since we recognize the rift in communion between the two bodies of faith, we wanted to address a topic that challenges our theme.
We have arranged our liturgical schedule this year as follows: early Divine Liturgy at 7:30 a.m., a Hierarchical Akathist at noon*, and a Memorial Service at 4 p.m., followed by Vespers, to conclude the day.
Food booths and cultural exhibits will be open from 10:30AM until 4:30PM.
Please join us as we transform our campus into a global community that represents the multi-cultural backgrounds of our students at St. Vladimir's and demonstrates the breadth of the influence of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches worldwide. We welcome you!
View our detailed schedule in the attached PDF. Feel free to distribute this article and schedule to your friends, family, and fellow parishioners!
*Note the schedule change in the time of the Hierarchical Akathist: It is now at noon.
