On the afternoon of Friday, October 23rd, ten students from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary drove amidst brilliant autumn colors to Pennsylvania for a weekend of fellowship and reflection as part of the Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement (OSIM). St. Tikhon's Seminary in South Canaan, PA, welcomed 30 students from St. Vladimir's Seminary, Holy Cross/Hellenic College in Brookline, MA, Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, Christ the Savior Seminary in Johnstown, PA, and St. Herman's Seminary in Kodiak, AK.
Taking as its theme "Expanding the Mission of the Orthodox Church," the OISM weekend with a molieben on Friday evening, celebrated by Archpriest Steven Voytovich (SVOTS '99), dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary, in front of icons from many of the participating schools. Later that evening, Archimandrite Sergius, the Abbot of St. Tikhon's Monastery, spoke to the students on the need to foster one's spiritual life through sacraments and prayer. "You can't give what you don't have" was a reminder to everyone present that "seeking Christ" is the only root from which Church communities can grow.
Saturday's events began with Divine Liturgy for St. Demetrius and a short Panikhida. After breakfast, students toured the seminary grounds, museum, bookstore, and monastery church, learning about the history of St. Tikhon's Seminary and its student life. Shortly before noon, the students participated in a discussion session with Dr. David Ford from St. Tikhon’s Seminary, in which they shared ideas for parish growth, mission, and evangelism. Archpriest John Reeves from State College, PA, led the second session, wherein students reflected on principles of church growth that can be applied in a multitude of contexts. The day ended with Vigil, a business meeting, and more time for fellowship and discussion around an evening bonfire. Many seminarians remained through Sunday for celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the monastery church.
Coming after a week of mid-terms, the OSIM event was a welcome opportunity for students to refocus on their relationship with Christ and develop relationships in Christ with all those gathered. Our seminarians extend their enthusiastic thanks to the OSIM Student Board for organizing, and St. Tikhon's Seminary for hosting, a blessed and inspirational event.
