TIKHONAIRE
2010 106
th
Annual pilgrimage
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and Monastery South Canaan, Pennsylvania ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA
Dedication On Friday, December 18, 2009, the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America were shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the unexpected and untimely falling asleep in the Lord of His Eminence, Archbishop JOB of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest. Born Richard John Osacky in Chicago on March 18, 1946, His Eminence completed his undergraduate studies at Northern Illinois University and attended St. Tikhon’s Seminary, graduating in 1970. He then served as cantor and youth director at St. John the Baptist Church in Black Lick, Pa. In 1973, Reader John was ordained to the Holy Diaconate and later that year to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop THEODOSIUS (later Metropolitan of All America and Canada). He was assigned to the parish in Black Lick, and he also served as spiritual director for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at nearby Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As a celibate priest in a parish, Father John maintained a zeal for the monastic life in all his endeavors. In 1975, he was made a riasaphor monk, and he was tonsured a monk in the Lesser Schema by (then) Bishop HERMAN in August of 1982. In November of that year the Hieromonk Job was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite. His Eminence was well known for his God-given talents in music and iconography and for his incredible work as a pastor. He arranged liturgical hymns in the tradition of renewed Russian choirs and in simple Carpatho-Russian Plain Chant. He designed and supervised the construction of a magnificent new temple in Black Lick, and he wrote the many icons that adorned its interior. He loved his people and was beloved by them, encouraging their spiritual renewal and spearheading the growth of parish membership. Recognizing his zeal and dedication for Christ and His Church, the Diocese of New England nominated Father Job as their diocesan bishop in 1982. The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America ratified the nomination and elected him Bishop of Hartford and the Diocese of New England. He was consecrated to the episcopacy on January 29, 1983, at All Saints Church in Hartford, Conn. After nine years of faithful service in New England, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America elected the Rt. Rev. Job as Bishop of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest. He was enthroned Bishop of his native city at Holy Trinity Cathedral on February 6, 1993. In his years in the See of Chicago, the Diocese of the Midwest experienced tremendous growth. This was witnessed in the establishment of numerous new mission parishes in the diocese. Additionally, his extraordinary rapport with Orthodox youth gained Bishop Job great recognition throughout the Church at large. He was famous for holding “rap sessions with the Bishop” in parishes and camps across the diocese. In addition to his regular duties as the ruling hierarch of the Diocese of the Midwest, His Eminence enjoyed a long-standing and excellent reputation as an iconographer and iconologist. He was often called upon to offer lectures on the subject, and he was known to assist and encourage other iconographers. II
But it was his love for his flock that endeared the Archbishop to clergy and faithful alike across the breadth of mid-America. His stalwart defense of the truth and his gentle recourse to forgiveness made him beloved of his priests and deacons. His students at both St. Tikhon’s and St.Vladimir’s seminaries waited eagerly for his semiannual visits that included personal meetings and group dinners with Vladyka. And while most parishes wonder if their bishop will be able to visit them during the year, clergy and faithful in the Midwest pleaded with His Eminence to cut down on his travels—for his own sake—because he so tirelessly traversed the expanse of his diocese to be with his people. In recognition of his more than twenty years of “good and faithful” service as archpastor, at the March 2004 Session of the Holy Synod, Bishop Job was elevated to the rank of Archbishop. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his brother hierarchs, his priest-sons, and the faithful of his parishes in Pennsylvania, New England and the Midwest. Archbishop Job is well known for his arrangement of the liturgical hymn “A New Commandment.” Those words of our Lord in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love each other, even as I have loved you,” encapsulate the legacy of His Eminence. Not because he beautifully adapted the words to the music, but because he truly reflected its meaning of sacrificial love in his life. This issue of the Tikhonaire is proudly and reverently dedicated to the memory of one of St. Tikhon’s finest alumni and one of the great archpastors of the Orthodox Church in America: + His Eminence, Archbishop JOB of Chicago and the Midwest.
May his memory be eternal!
III
HIS BEATITUDE, THE MOST BLESSED JONAH, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada
HIS GRACE, THE RIGHT REVEREND TIKHON, Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania
May 31, 2010 Your Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, Beloved Brother and Concelebrant in the Lord, Venerable Hierarchs, Honorable Fathers, Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Brotherhood of the Monastery of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk and all the members of the Seminary Community are pleased to welcome all who have made their way in pilgrimage to these holy grounds. It is always a joy for us to gather as the Church, to offer thanksgiving and worship to our merciful and loving God and to share in fellowship with one another. It is particularly fitting this year that these days of pilgrimage should fall after the great feast of Holy Pentecost, on which we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit, and during the present commemoration of all the Saints who shone forth with the grace of that same Spirit. Just as the Comforter brings together the whole council of the Church, so the Church radiates the glory of the Kingdom through the Saints’ lives of holiness. The Holy Spirit is also daily poured forth on us through the grace of the Church, renewing our hearts and inspiring us to proclaim the same glad tidings announced to the world by the Saints. In every age, the Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles, the Martyrs and the Venerable Ones, clothing them with power from on high and uniting them so that they might go forth to the ends of the world to proclaim the Gospel of Truth. May our prayers today confirm in us the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who comes to abide in all those who prepare their hearts through a God-pleasing life of repentance and prayer. And may we all share that grace with those in the world who long for the life and the renewal that is offered to all by the Holy Trinity and is made manifest by the Saints. With love in Christ,
+TIKHON Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania Rector of the Orthodox Theological Seminary of St Tikhon of Zadonsk
T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s – TIKHONAIRE 2010 Board of Trustees, Administration, Faculty, and Staff . . . . .1 St. Tikhon’s Graduates and Seminarians . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Student Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Married Seminarians and Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Feature Section: Evangelism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 “Christ the Eternal Tao” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 “An African American’s Spiritual Inheritance” . . . . .31 “Sharpening Our Faith” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 “Islam and the Incarnate Word of God” . . . . . . . . . .38 IOCC New Orleans Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Martha and Mary House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 IOCC Visit to St. Tikhon’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 “Images of Orthodox East Africa” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Seminary Pays Tribute to Bishop MICHAEL . . . . . . . . . . .48 Seminary Bids Farewell to Fr. Alexander Golubov . . . . . . .52 Bishop JOSEPH Awarded Honorary Doctorate . . . . . . . . .54 In Memoriam: His Eminence, Archbishop JOB . . . . . . . . .56 Seminary Welcomes Fr. Atty as Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 St. Tikhon’s 2009-2010 Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 2009-2010 Academic Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 67th Seminary Commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Summer Camp 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Clergy Continuing Education Symposium . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Seminary Renovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Impressions of a New Seminarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Alumni Association Hosts Picnic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 39th Annual Adult Lecture Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Founder’s Day/Hospitality a la Russe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 OCEC Training Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Seminary Receives Renewal of Accreditation . . . . . . . . .72 Married Student Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Church School Activities 2009-2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
27
48 EVANGELISM
VIII
St. Michael’s Day Talent Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 St. Nicholas Day Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Christmas Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Indian Orthodox Seminarians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 March for Life 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 ROCOR First Hierarch, Clergy Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Holy Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 PASCHA 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Environmental Seminar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 St. Tikhon’s Wives’ Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Greek Ministry of Education Recognizes Seminary . . . . .87 Diaconal Formation Program 2009-2010 . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Field Education Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 2009-2010 Seminarian Ordinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92 St. Tikhon’s Mission Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106 Student Life at St. Tikhon’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 The St. Tikhon’s Monastery Community . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Igumen Sergius Installed as Monastery Abbot . . . . . . . .114 105th Annual Monastery Pilgrimage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Departed Monastics of St. Tikhon’s Monastery . . . . . . .118 Benefactors and Supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119 St. Tikhon’s Seminary Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120 Benefactors and Scholarship Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 “Adopt A Seminarian” Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . .125 St. Tikhon’s Century Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 An Appreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 Society of the Friends of St. Tikhon’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134 “Mnogaya Leta!” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135 Form of Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136 St. Tikhon’s Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 Pligrimage Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
HIS GRACE, BISHOP MICHAEL
92 SEMINARIAN ORDINATIONS
SAINT TIKHON’S
ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
B
OARD OF TRUSTEES, ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY AND STAFF
S T O T S
THE BOARD
OF
T R U S T E E S 2010
Officers His Beatitude, the Most Blessed JONAH (Paffhausen), Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President His Grace, the Rt. Rev. TIKHON (Mollard), Bishop of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rector Leda Dzwonczyk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary (term expires 2011) John C. Morris, Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) Ex Officio His Grace, the Rt. Rev. MICHAEL (Dahulich), Ph.D., Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean of the Seminary Archpriest Alexander Garklavs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chancellor, Orthodox Church in America Archpriest Alexander Golubov, Ph. D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Academic Dean of the Seminary Igumen Sergius (Bowyer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Representative of the Monastery of St Tikhon of Zadonsk Members Archpriest Alexander Atty, D.Min. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2010) Archpriest Joseph Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2010) Eli Stavisky, D.M.D., F.I.C.D., F.A.C.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2010) Michael G. Herzak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2011) David R. Jarrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2011) Deacon Michael Pasonick, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2011) Mat. Nina Stroyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2011) Kory William Warr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2011) Charles W. Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2011) Subdeacon Nicholas Blick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) Alexander Bratic, J.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) Paul Chernay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) Mat. Nancy Gilbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) John Malinchok. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) George Nakonetschny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) Hani Sawaged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) John P. Schultz, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expires 2012) Protodeacon Michael Wusylko, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (term expries 2012) Archpriest Daniel K. Donlick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Emeritus) Archpriest Sergei Glagolev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Emeritus) Archpriest Yaroslav Sudick, Ph. D., D. D., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Emeritus) Walter Palchik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Emeritus) 2
SAINT TIKHON’S
ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
HIS BEATITUDE, METROPOLITAN JONAH
HIS GRACE, BISHOP TIKHON
PRESIDENT
RECTOR ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF LITURGICS
FA C U LT Y SEM INARY
HIS GRACE, THE RT. REV. BISHOP MICHAEL, Ph.D., DEAN AND DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Associate Professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology
THE VERY REV. ALEXANDER S. GOLUBOV, Ph.D., ACADEMIC DEAN Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Spirituality
DAVID C. FORD, Ph.D. Professor of Church History
CHRISTOPHER VENIAMIN, D.Phil. (Oxon.) Professor of Patristics
HARRY BOOSALIS, Th.D. Associate Professor of Dogmatic Theology
MARY FORD, Ph.D. Associate Professor of New Testament
THE VERY REV. ELIAS BITAR, D.Min. Adjunct Assistant Professor of Sacred Music
THE VERY REV. DAVID HESTER, SEOD Adjunct Associate Professor of Church History and Patristics
SERGEI ARHIPOV HEAD LIBRARIAN AND REGISTRAR Assistant Professor of Church Slavonic and Russian
4
THE VERY REV. DAVID SHEWCZYK Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Practice
IGUMEN SERGIUS (BOWYER) Lecturer in Church Music
THE VERY REV. DAVID MAHAFFEY Lecturer in Philosophy
THE REV. DAVID S. COWAN Lecturer in Pastoral Practice
THE REV. JOHN SOUCEK Lecturer in Liturgical Theology
THE REV. RAYMOND MARTIN BROWNE Lecturer in Old Testament
THE VERY REV. JOHN KOWALCZYK Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Practice; Director of Field Education
FA C U LT Y
THE VERY REV. DANIEL KOVALAK Senior Lecturer in Pastoral Practice
SEM INARY
THE REV. NILUS LERRO, Ph.L. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
5
FA C U LT Y SEMINARY 6
THE VERY REV. DANIEL K. DONLICK Distinguished Professor of Church History and Academic Dean, Emeritus
THE REV. VICTOR GORODENCHUK Lecturer in Scripture (Diaconal Formation Program)
THE VERY REV. GEORGE DIMOPOULOS Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Emeritus
THE REV. TIMOTHY HOJNICKI Lecturer in Pastoral Practice (Diaconal Formation Program)
THE V. REV. NICOLAI BUGA Lecturer in Church History (Diaconal Formation Program)
SE MINARY
JOHN PALUCH Director of Food Services and Physical Plant
STAFF
MARTIN PALUCH Director of Communications and Public Relations
MARY SERNAK Bursar, Assistant to the CFO
MATUSHKA DOROTHY SULICH Executive Secretary, Assistant to the Dean
SARAH JUBINSKI Library Consultant
MARTHA MOSSNER Seminary Cook
ROBERT ROTH Volunteer Library Assistant
MAT. TAMARA COWAN Coordinator of Students’ Wives Activities
7
ADMINISTR AT ION
His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, Rector; His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL, Dean; Very Rev. Alexander Golubov, Academic Dean; Very Rev. Dionysius Swencki, Chief Financial Officer; Sergei Arhipov, Head Librarian and Registrar; Rev. Nilus Lerro, Director or Student Affairs
8
SAINT TIKHON’S
ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
G
RADUATES
AND SEMINARIANS
S T O T S
CLASS OF 2010 GRADUATES
Paul Abernathy
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Bridgeville, Pennsylvania
The Rev. John Christianson SS. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church Ben Lomond, California
10
Nikolai Jesse Breckenridge Holy Assumption of St. Mary Orthodox Church Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Joshua Coolman
St. John the Forerunner Orthodox Church Indianapolis, Indiana
The Rev. Theophan Buck St. John the Wonderworker Orthodox Church Atlanta, Georgia
Michael Devich
St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Cathedral Dallas, Texas
GOD GRANT YOU MANY YEARS!
Patrick Henre
St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church Kansas City, Kansas
The Rev. Mark Lichtenstein
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Stephen Andrew Kaznica SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral Passaic, New Jersey
The Rev. Dn. Joseph Lucas
Holy Assumption Orthodox Church Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Rev. Dn. Jacob Kurian
St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Stafford, Texas
The Rev. Christopher Maciolek Holy Trinity Orthodox Church St. Paul, Minnesota
11
CLASS OF 2010 GRADUATES
The Rev. Daniel Mathewson
The Rev. Joseph McCartney
Scott Ceraphim Mitchell
Derek Alexis Schmidt
The Rev. Pedro (Siqueira)
The Rev. Dn. Zachariah Skariah
St. Mary Orthodox Church Coaldale, Pennsylvania
Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
12
St. Andrew the First-Called Orthodox Church New Port Richey, Florida
St. Herman Monastery Platina, California
All Saints of North America Orthodox Church Salisbury, Connecticut
St. Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral Bellwood, Illinois
GOD GRANT YOU MANY YEARS!
The Rev. Maximus Regis Urbanowicz St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral Washington, D.C.
The Rev. Joel Weir
St. Stephen the First Martyr Orthodox Church Crawfordsville, Indiana
The Rev. Dn. Andrew (Wermuth) St. Michael’s Skete Spruce Island, Alaska
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you... ” Matthew 28:19-20 The Rev. Thaddaeus Joel Werner St. Herman Orthodox Church Fairbanks, Alaska
SEMINARIANS
Andreas Blom Holy Theophany Orthodox Church Colorado Springs, Colorado
Teji Abraham St. Mary’s Orthodox Chruch of India Carrollton, Texas
Nicklas Aiello Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Vancouver, Washington
The Rev. Dn. John Bohush SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Endicott, New York
Nicholas Christian Buck Holy Spirit Antiochian Orthodox Church Huntington, West Virginia
James Cheriyan St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Church Pune, Maharashtra, India
The Rev. Danial Doss St. Luke the Evangelist Orthodox Church Palos Hills, Illinois
The Rev. Dn. Thaddeus Franta Christ the Savior/Holy Spirit Orthodox Church Cincinnati, Ohio
Jesse Dominick St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church South Canaan, Pennsylvania
14
SEMINARIANS
Philip Halliwell Parish of St. John the Baptist Monastery Essex, England
Joseph Hazar Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary Livonia, Michigan
John Hogg St. George Orthodox Cathedral Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Matthew Howell St. John Orthodox Cathedral Eagle River, Alaska
Moses Ibrahim Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Rev. Dn. Methodios Ingalls St. Sophia Antiochian Orthodox Church Dripping Springs, Texas
Monk Michael (Juk) St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church South Canaan, Pennsylvania
Vladimir Kantor SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Syracuse, New York
Br. Kenneth (Kasovac) St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church South Canaan, Pennsylvania
15
SEMINARIANS
Joseph Kosinski St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Auburn, Newy York
Abraham Labrada-Santiago Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord Mexico City, Mexico
The Rev. Dn. Thomas Langdon St. John the Forerunner Orthodox Church Indianapolis, Indiana
The Rev. Dn. Zachariah Lynch Archangel Michael Orthodox Church Pueblo, Colorado
Saba Attala Makhouli St. George Orthodox Church Kofer-Yassif, Palestine
John Malcom St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church Jamesville, New York
Matthew Markewich St. Basil’s Orthodox Church Watervliet, New York
Joel Mathew St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church of Dallas Farmers Branch, Texas
Daniel Scott Meyer St. Andrew Antiochian Orthodox Church Riverside, California
16
SEMINARIANS
Arseniy Mikhalev Holy Trinity Seminary Jordanville, New York
Todd Justin Mokhiber St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church Niagara Falls, New York
The Rev. Milorad Orlic St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church Philadelphia, PA
Roman Ostash St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Alpha, New Jersey
Abraham Philip St. Gregorios Orthodox Church Yonkers, New York
Ian Shipley St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church Santa Rosa, California
The Rev. Dn. Patrick Smith St. Andrew the First-Called Orthodox Church New Port Richey, Florida
Matthew Snowden St. John’s Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church Memphis, Tennessee
Andrew Stoiko St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church Detroit, Michigan
17
SEMINARIANS
Andrew Temple St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Orthodox Church Rocky Hill, New Jersey
18
The Rev. Gregory Thompson St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church Campbell, Ohio
Joel Wilson St. Stephen the First Martyr Orthodox Church Crawfordsville, Indiana
Is Our Lord Calling You
To The Holy Priesthood? T
oday, perhaps more than ever, there is a crucial need for dedicated priests to serve Our Lord and His people.
With the many instances of human suffering and human loneliness abounding, not only within our very parishes, but in our communities as well, the need for the dedicated pastor becomes more apparent and ever urgent. “If you will be a servant to this people” (I Kings 12:7), enter St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in order to prepare to be that good pastor, that good shepherd who will “lay down his life for his sheep.” IF YOU HAVE EVER WONDERED WHETHER YOU ARE CALLED TO THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD, WE INVITE YOU TO CONTACT OUR SEMINARY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary P.O. Box 130 South Canaan, PA 18459 (570) 937-4411 • www.stots.edu
ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY
Student Government
(L TO R): Joel Mathew, Derek Aleksei Schmidt, Fr. Theophan Buck, Fr. Nilus Lerro, Paul Abernathy, Abraham Labrada-Santiago, Dn. Joseph Lucas
Paul Abernathy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Abraham Labrada-Santiago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice-President Derek Aleksei Schmidt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Dn. Joseph Lucas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Fr. Theophan Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Married Students Representative Joel Mathew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorm Students Representative Fr. Nilus Lerro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Student and Community Affairs
20
SAINT TIKHON’S
ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
M
ARRIED SEMINARIANS AND FAMILIES
S T O T S
Married Sem i nari an s an d Fam ili es
AIELLO FAMILY
Fr. Theophan, Mat. Elena, Eliza
CHRISTIANSON FAMILY
DEVICH FAMILY
Fr. John, Kh. Barbara
DOSS FAMILY
Fr. Danial, Mat. Nadia
22
BUCK FAMILY
Nicklas, Jenna, Carly, Lucia, Aileen, grandson Xander, Beverly
Michael, Dr. Heather
FRANTA FAMILY
Fr. Dn. Thaddeus, Mat. Velislava
Married Sem i nari an s an d Fam ili es
HALLIWELL FAMILY
Philip, Tatiana, Anna, Michael, Helen, Nikolai
INGALLS FAMILY
Fr. Dn. Methodios, Sh. Danielle, Philip, Solomon
LICHTENSTEIN FAMILY
Fr. Mark, Pre. Suzanne, Anna, John, Paul, Gregory
HOWELL FAMILY
Matthew, Anastasia, Luke, Hannah
LANGDON FAMILY
Fr. Dn. Thomas, Mat. Sarah, Rosie, Brigid, Martina
LUCAS FAMILY
Fr. Dn. Joseph, Dia. Irina, Raena, Rafael, Cristian, Andrei
23
Married Sem i nari an s an d Fam ili es
LYNCH FAMILY
Fr. Dn. Zachary, Mat. Natalia, Isaiah, Aidin, Trinity, Arseny, Serafima
MARKEWICH FAMILY Matthew, Rebekah
MEYER FAMILY
Daniel, Elizabeth, Nonna, Macarius
24
MACIOLEK FAMILY
Fr. Christopher, Mat. Gretchen, Basil, Maria, Anastasia, Nikolia
McCARTNEY FAMILY
Fr. Joseph, Mat. Maura, Anna, Sarah, Justin
SHIPLEY FAMILY
Ian, Priscilla, Jessica, Evan, Lydia
Married Sem in arian s an d Fam ili es
SMITH FAMILY
Fr. Dn. Patrick, Mat. Kristin, Caitlin, Madeline, Ellen
ULMER FAMILY Adrian, Mihaela
WEIR FAMILY
Fr. Joel, Mat. Maria, Ophelia, Liam
SNOWDEN FAMILY
Matthew, Hannah, Peter, Ada
URBANOWICZ FAMILY
Fr. Maximos, Mat. Susanne, Bianca, Natasha, Roman, Sophia
WERNER FAMILY
Fr. Thaddaeus, Mat. Valerie
25
Ma r ri e d Se m i n a ri a n s a n d Fa m i l i e s
WILSON FAMILY
Joel, Theresa, Mara, Winifred
26
E
VANGELISM
FEATURE SECTION
Christ the Eternal Tao: A Bridge to Orthodoxy for Contemporary Seekers and China Hierodeacon Andrew (Wermuth)
Introduction
I
n the presentation of his lecture, “Christ the Eternal Tao,” Hieromonk Damascene of the St. Herman Monastery (Platina, Ca.), examined several points of correspondence between the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu and Orthodox Christianity. The impetus behind this study which has resulted in Fr. Damascene’s book, Christ the Eternal Tao, is reminiscent of that which inspired the early apologists to address the Greek philosophical mind of their own time. In both cases, the motivating factor is grounded in the desire of the Christian to share the Gospel with the world through the use of a common “language” and set of concepts. Fr. Damascene states that his work is apologetic rather than syncretistic. While St. Justin spoke of the Logos, Fr. Damascene speaks of Lao Tzu’s concept of the Tao, a term which Chinese translators of the New Testament have sensitively employed in their rendering of John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Tao, and the Tao was with God, and the Tao was God.” Father Damascene’s book, Christ the Eternal Tao, has been successful in reaching out to contemporary seekers in eastern religions who have categorically rejected Western Christianity. And by an unexpected 28
turn of events, it has opened a door for Fr. Damascene to travel to China and share the Orthodox Faith with the Chinese people. Given the present political conditions in China, visits by a non-Chinese Orthodox priest is a complicated matter. Nevertheless, Fr. Damascene has persevered in beginning a relationship with the Chinese people.
Orthodoxy in China This interaction is of special significance because there are no longer any Chinese Orthodox bishops and thus not many to teach the Orthodox Faith and none to ordain new clergy. Further, the Chinese government does not allow foreigners to head religious institutions in their country. In the case of Orthodoxy, this means that in order to provide leadership for the Church in China, a bishop from the outside cannot be appointed even for an interim period. After the Russians established a significant presence in the 20th century, Orthodoxy in China has now reached a low point. The few remaining Orthodox priests in China are all elderly. At the Russian Consulate in Hong Kong, there is one Russian priest who is authorized to conduct services for Russians only. One Greek Metropolitan, Nektarios, also resides in Hong Kong but the mainland of China remains outside his diocese.
It should be remembered that St. John Maximovitch was in Shanghai for nearly a decade prior to the communist takeover of China. Several cathedrals, including the Joy of All Who Sorrow built under St. John’s oversight, still exist today. Unfortunately, the government does not allow church services to be performed in them. Most of St. John’s spiritual children accompanied him to San Francisco after a brief stay in the Philippines. Thus, if we are to look today for the lineage of St. John in China it is rare to find. However, it is encouraging to see the efforts of Fr. Damascene, who has met St. John’s Chinese spiritual children at the Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral in San Francisco. Protestant Christianity has steadily increased in China despite the communist government. Within the Protestantism in China there
exist both churches recognized by the government and “underground” churches. For Chinese converts to Protestant Christianity it is characteristic for one to also undergo a cultural conversion. These Chinese converts often embrace facets of western culture as part and parcel of Christianity. Thus, for those converts to Protestantism who eventually find a disconnect between their Chinese identity and embracing western culture and for those who seek a deeper aspect of Christianity, it is important that the Orthodox re-establish their presence in China. For some Chinese Orthodox, being Protestant has been a step in the process of conversion. At present, there are a few Chinese Orthodox men who are studying theology abroad in Greece and Russia. These students are necessarily steeped in a multi-lingual education which has provided them the skills to translate the Scriptures, the liturgical services of the Church, and the writings of the Church Fathers into their native tongue at some point in the future. These skills, together with contact with the universal Orthodox Church, could be key ingredients to revitalizing Orthodoxy in China.
The Logos and the Tao In the introduction to his lecture, Fr. Damascene explained the close similarity between the ancient Greek philosophers’ notion of the Logos with that of Lao Tzu’s Tao. For Heraclitus (c. 500 BC), the Logos “is the first principle of knowledge; understanding of the world involves understanding of the structure or pattern of the world, a pattern concealed from the eyes of ordinary men. The Logos is also the first prin-
In this light, the Gospel of ciple of existence, that unity of the world process which sustains itself as John is the centerpiece of correspona process. This unity lies beneath the dence: “In the beginning was the Word (Logos/Tao)….” According surface….” to Fr. Damascene, “Lao Tzu’s Tao Father Damascene’s first Teh Ching represents the highest a spiritual father, Hieromonk person can know through intuition, Seraphim Rose, had been a student [while] St. John’s Gospel represents of Taoism and a translator of the Tao the highest that a person can know Teh Ching before he converted to through revelation….” Orthodoxy. Once, Fr. Seraphim said, “There are moments when it is Teh and Grace absolutely incredible how the same Together with the Tao, things happened in Chinese life as happened in the West, even though another central component of Lao there was no outward connection Tzu’s thought is Teh. Following the between the two civilizations. The teaching of St. Theophan the first of the Greek philosophers— Recluse, Fr. Damascene posits that Thales and so forth—lived about the although Lao Tzu did not partake of sixth century B.C., just about the God’s energy or Grace from the time Confucious was in China and inside (he was unbaptized), he Buddha was in India. It is as though nevertheless knew grace (as all men there really was a spirit of the times.” can) from the outside. The Chinese term, Teh, is that word which correFor Lao Tzu, the Tao (the sponds to “grace.” Teh is “the realizChinese equivalent of the Logos) ing principle” and “principle of was the uncreated cause of all things manifestation” of the Tao. According just as for Heraclitus the Logos was to the classical scholar Ten Ling“the first principle of existence.” The feng, “Without Teh, the Tao would Tao, “nourishes, develops, cares for, have no appearance.” shelters, comforts, and protects” the creation. In both of these preFather Damascene matches Christian philosophies can be found these definitions of Teh with what St. Justin Martyr phrased Vladimir Lossky’s teaching on the “seeds of the Word.” That is, they are energy of God: the uncreated energy insights into reality which are true of God is the “manifestation” of the but at the same time are made com- Essence of God, “in which everyplete in the revelation of God thing that exists partakes, thus makthrough the Incarnation of Christ. ing God known.” Lossky continues, Thus, as Christians speaking to the “As for the manifestation itself, it is culture conversant in these concepts eternal, for it is the glory of God.” or intuitions, we can affirm them as Thus, according to both systems true and preach Christ as the telos or Grace or Teh are inseparable from perfection of these insights into realGod or Tao. ity. In the context of the classical Greek world and in traditional In his writings Lao Tzu goes Chinese thought, the Logos and the so far as to speak of the cultivation Tao are the most fundamental in of Teh or Grace: speaking about the nature of reality. Cultivate Grace is your own person, 29
And Grace becomes real. He who follows the Way Is at one with the Way. He who cultivates Grace Is at one with Grace When you become the valley of the world, Eternal Grace will never depart. Such is the return to the babe.
The nature of Being is said Even though it claims no leadership, to be nothingness because Being is absolutely complete, in need of It may be named the great. nothing, conscious of no wants. This Father Damascene’s points is why the principle of nothingness out that Lao Tzu’s insight into the in the philosophy of Lao Tzu is selflessness of the Tao is indeed pro‘nameless.’ found. And perhaps it is in this sense, he says, that Lao Tzu comes Return to Paradise the closest to perceiving a personal God. Likewise, in Lao Tzu’s associaLao Tzu also places a strong tion of humility with the Tao, we emphasis on the simplicity of the can see the attribution of a quality Tao in contrast to the complexity of that can only be personal. That is, man’s thought. While man thinks impersonal objects cannot fully posdiscursively, the Tao “forgets itself sess humility—only a person can. and its own existence.” That is, the Tao is not composed of multiple In his method of corresponthoughts but is rather pure being. Fr. dence, Fr. Damascene sees a type in Damascene also makes the point Lao Tzu’s personification of the Tao that the Chinese have a strong tradi- as selfless and humble for Christ’s tion of the golden age of man from ultimate Kenosis, or self-emptying which he has subsequently fallen. on the Cross. If in Lao Tzu “nothThus, the Tao, or The Way, is the ingness” is the “point of convermeans of leading man back to a state gence” or axis of the universe, Fr. of “primordial” being. This state Damascene says that now, after the is characterized as “spontaneous” Incarnation, the Cross has become rather than one of being bound in the axis because “it is the greatest the web of discursive thinking. sign to man of God’s self-emptying.”
It is significant that Lao Tzu links becoming “the valley of the world” with being connected to Eternal Grace. In Fr. Damascene’s presentation of Lao Tzu’s teaching the most striking aspect of the Tao may be the centrality of the virtue of humility. The message seems to be that only by becoming “the valley of the world” does one either become united with the Tao or enter a peaceful relationship with other human beings. This is, of course, one of the leitmotifs of the ascetic fathers and The method for man’s return expressed in the Orthodox Tradition seems to be a kind of imitation of through the ancient sayings of the fathers such as “Humility is the robe the Tao. In this path of return, humility and selflessness are integral. of divinity.” These characteristics are expressed Directly related to the path well in Chapter 34 of the Tao Teh of humility in the Tao Teh Ching is Ching: the concept of nothingness. Fr. Damascene explains that although The great Tao follows everywhere… the Tao itself is sometimes called “nothingness,” it does not mean All things depend on it for life; none is refused. non-existence in the nihilistic sense. Rather, it connotes a mode of exis- When its work is accomplished, it tence that is other than what man does not take possession. can conceive of. In this regard, this is perhaps the apophaticism of Lao It clothes and feeds all things, yet Tzu. By stating what the Tao is not, does not claim them as its own. he expresses that the Tao exists on a Ever without desire, it may be level that transcends our thought named small. processes. Taoist teacher Gi Ming Shing writes, Yet when all things return to it, 30
In this use of typology, Fr. Damascene presents a workable model for the Chinese mind in which to relate to the saving work of Christ. Firstly, man has fallen from his primordial state of simplicity into a state of internal conflict. Secondly, there exists The Way or Tao, which teaches man through humility and selflessness. In Christ, this Way is known not merely through intuition but personally. Thirdly, there is Grace (Teh) which enlightens man on this path. Finally, The Way leads man to Paradise.
An African American’s Spiritual Inheritance Fr. Moses Berry on the Ascetical Essence of the Slave Experience Seminarian Paul Abernathy
A
s Orthodox Christian men deeply engaged in the process of priestly formation, there is perhaps no charge we take more seriously than our Lord’s great commission to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19). Given that we live in a land steeped in beauty and filled with loving persons of incredible potential, we search our hearts daily examining how best we can fulfill this charge among our compatriots. Amazingly, the Lord has blessed us repeatedly with the wisdom of older priests who have shared with us their vocation to evangelize the country
we love so dearly. One such priest who has instilled in our hearts the Gospel’s hope is Fr. Moses Berry, who visited us this year during the Fall Lecture Series.
1906, Fr. Moses’ family stayed. His ancestors’ conviction to live a life of love no matter what one’s neighbor may think is now shared by Fr. Moses, who sees himself called to share their story with the good people of Ash Grove and beyond. Working diligently with little funds and even less practical assistance, Fr. Moses has opened the Ozarks AfroAmerican Heritage Museum. Being the curator of an impressive collection of ancestral artifacts, he regularly shares the slave experience with many people all over the country.
Father Moses Berry is an African-American priest of the Orthodox Church in America who currently serves Theotokos “Unexpected Joy” Orthodox Church in Ash Grove, Missouri. Father Moses still lives on the Berry Family farm, the same land his family acquired in 1872 after having been freed during the Civil War. The slave experience that Although most African-Americans fled Ash Grove following a notorious African-Americans were forced to lynching of three black men in endure was brought to life at St. 31
permitted to practice Christianity at all (as allowing them to do so would acknowledge their humanity) or not allowed to pray without white oversight (so as to monitor what they were praying for), slaves would sneak away to “hush harbors” (secret prayer meeting places) and pray throughout the night. Even though they worked from sun up to sun down, slaves would continuously slip off in the night while singing the Negro Spiritual “Steal Away to Jesus” and pray that, as they would describe it, their hearts be filled with the Holy Spirit. In the “hush harbors” African-Americans would make Christianity their own, and testimony after testimony bears witDespite the history of pain ness that it was only in Christ that which Fr. Moses so charismatically African-Americans would find true shared, the greater story was one of peace and joy. immense triumph in which every Orthodox Christian can find hope. To be caught praying in As he would explain, it was not the secret was an outcome that carried pain of captivity that would define with it severe consequences. Fr. the countless African-Americans Moses would share examples of who had themselves been slaves. slaves who were persecuted for their Rather, it was the witness of faith Christian faith. Slaves found in borne in the slave quarters which prayer would be whipped and torexpressed a divine sublimity that tured and in some instances killed deeply overshadowed the brokenness for their Christian faith. The result of this fallen world. The Christian was the emergence of an “invisible faith which poured forth from the institution,” catacomb Christianity slave quarters was a faith forged in that would come to define the Black suffering which in the end bears wit- Church. The many instances Fr. ness to the victory of the Cross. Moses related whereby AfricanThus Fr. Moses shared with us a Americans longingly sought Christ, grand story of hope and triumph despite severe consequences, that is the spiritual inheritance of revealed to many in the audience the African-Americans. measure of conviction which marked African-American spiritualiDuring the lecture, there was ty in the antebellum period of much amazement at the wondrous American history. testimonies Fr. Moses shared of slaves whose hearts were transFather Moses also shared formed while living the mystery details of his personal life which led of the Cross. Although African- him to the Holy Orthodox Church. Americans were generally either not Among the most dramatic testimony Tikhon’s when Fr. Moses delivered his lecture. Bringing with him many artifacts demonstrating the reality of slavery, he shared with us the brutality of that abhorrent institution. What a touching moment it was when he lifted a neck shackle from a table covered with items that told a story of suffering. Placing the shackle around his neck, Fr. Moses then placed through the clasp a device which can only be described as weighted iron balls chained to the neck and designed to restrain the enslaved. It was a moment in which the past suffering of AfricanAmericans came to life for all who attended.
32
he shared was his recollection of one night he spent in prison during which he listened to prison guards beating an inmate they called “Pretty Boy Floyd from Illinois.” Fr. Moses recalled the intensity of his prayer while he listened to the futile pleas of Pretty Boy Floyd to end the assault. Filled with terror at the thought of sharing a similar fate, Fr. Moses prayed that night as he had never prayed before. He promised the Lord his life if only He would deliver him from this horror. The next day, a prison guard opened his cell and commanded him to gather his things. He was to be released over a technicality found regarding evidence the police had collected. In disbelief, Fr. Moses eventually regained his composure and thanked his Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ for answering his prayer. When Fr. Moses returned home, he had another interesting encounter that again demonstrated to him the power of prayer. While giving testimony of his deliverance in his boyhood church, an elderly African-American woman stood up in the back and yelled, “I’m the reason you were saved!” Not knowing exactly what she meant, Fr. Moses paused, allowing her time to explain. She continued, “I never gave up on you! I just kept praying for you, praying that the Lord would straighten your crooked ways. And He did!” The example of love found in that woman, who no matter how hopeless it seemed never gave up on him, would stay with Fr. Moses. As time went on, Fr. Moses was invited by a friend to attend an Orthodox church. Recalling his first encounter with Orthodoxy, Fr. Moses remembered being brought
by friends to a small Orthodox temple. Climbing the steps and entering an unfamiliar sanctuary, he remembered how the iconostasis, the incense, and the music all seemed so different to him. There was, however, one icon in the church which captured his heart immediately. It was the icon of St. Moses the Black, an African saint who was depicted in the icon with dark skin and curly hair. Fr. Moses remembered thinking, “He looks just like me.� It was a moment that touched his heart and as the vespers service continued, he felt more and more at home. Eventually he and his wife became Orthodox, and from that point forward, the Lord placed him on the road to the holy priesthood. As Fr. Moses grew in the Orthodox Faith, he would come to realize that the African-American spirituality which emerged from the slave experience bore a remarkable similarity to the spirituality of the Holy Orthodox Church. Losing himself in hours of research, Fr.
Moses began to see slave religion with different eyes. He came to recognize that the spiritual inheritance of African-Americans provided a wonderful door through which to enter Orthodoxy. Recognizing that many African-Americans still hold a spiritual perspective that has deep in its foundation the spirituality which emerged from the slave experience, Fr. Moses began to consider that he might be able to best serve the Orthodox Church by exposing the spiritual inheritance of AfricanAmericans for the ascetical treasure it truly is.
hood attempts to root and nourish African-Americans in the martyric experience of their righteous Christian forefathers and foremothers, both in Africa and America. Although attempting primarily to reach persons of African descent, Fr. Moses has continuously demonstrated that the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black is for all who genuinely seek a relationship with Jesus Christ. Attending the Brotherhood conference held annually, one will quickly find both the attendees and the topics of conversation to be quite diverse. Undoubtedly the most moving part of the conference is always the Divine Liturgy at its conclusion. The way in which such persons of diverse backgrounds become one in Jesus Christ by participation in the Divine Mysteries is enough to move one to tears, which has on more than one occasion been the result.
Eventually, Fr. Moses would become one of the co-founders of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black. Sharing an excerpt from his book, An Unbroken Circle: Linking Ancient African Christianity to the African-American Slave Experience, Fr. Moses explained that the purpose of the Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black is firstly to bring ancient The way in which Fr. Moses Orthodox Christianity to African- recognized the connection AfricanAmericans. Secondly, the brother- Americans have to ancient 33
hope in the future of Orthodoxy in Americans spent pouring their hearts out to God in secret prayer our beloved nation. meetings has left an indelible mark Fr. Moses Berry’s visit to St. on African-American spirituality. In Tikhon’s Seminary was one that has this sense, we were encouraged to see most certainly left a lasting impres- the familiarity that many Americans sion on many who were in atten- may already have with the redempdance that day. For those of us who tive suffering so prevalent in the thewere blessed to spend additional ology of the Holy Orthodox time with Fr. Moses over the course Church. of his stay, the treasures of wisdom, In the end, Fr. Moses helped hope, perseverance, and love that he left with us will forever compel us to us to realize that African-Americans unwaveringly serve the Church. had not emerged from the slave Such encouragement in the face of experience as mere victims of inhuoften daunting obstacles is of more manity; they became in their faith value to a young seminarian than true victors in Christ Jesus, the Lord. The longing to be with Christ, that many can imagine. hope in the world to come, would Fr. Moses Berry’s visit to St. define the character of faith for Tikhon’s Seminary also brought to many suffering hearts enslaved by life the suffering of countless masters who in no way recognized African-Americans over the course their humanity. In that longing, of our history. Despite the reality of however, slaves would find true freepain that marked generations past, it dom, freedom in Jesus Christ, their was not whips and chains that would one and only Savior. Emphasizing define the African-American identi- this very point, Fr. Moses Berry ty. Fr. Moses helped us realize that encouraged us all to reflect on the the faith that poured out of suffering spiritual inheritance of Africanhearts has left us with an abundance Americans with the words of St. of testimony to the miraculous out- Ambrose, who said, “Many a slave is reach of a loving God. The story of freer than his master.” slavery in the United States is not one of senseless suffering, but rather one of the most remarkable witnessAnother point that Fr. es of triumph, hope, and perseverMoses would emphatically impress ance the world has ever known. The upon us was to never compromise countless hours that Africanthe Orthodox Faith. Responding to a question from the audience about baptizing certain “American traditions,” Fr. Moses responded by assuring the audience that the richness of Orthodoxy allows the most unlikely seekers to easily find their place and purpose living the spiritual life in Christ. His exhortation to never compromise or doubt the richness of our faith gave many a great
Orthodoxy was made clear in an anecdotal story he shared in his presentation. On the property that Fr. Moses inherited from his family, there is a cemetery dedicated to the burial of “Slaves, Paupers, and Indians.” Fr. Moses, the primary caretaker, recalled serving a Panikhida one day for the departed in the cemetery. During the service there were others in attendance who were not Orthodox. One of them was an older African-American woman who had been listening to Fr. Moses’ daughter sing the service in traditional Obikhod Orthodox chant. Interestingly, when the service was over the woman said of the chant, “It sounded like what the old folks used to sing.” Initially, Fr. Moses was confused by the statement. Dwelling on the different styles of music he thought to himself, “It doesn’t sound anything like what the old folks used to sing.” After some contemplation, however, Fr. Moses realized that it wasn’t in the musical style that the woman heard the similarity. Rather it was in the spirit of the chant that the African-American music of their forefathers bore a remarkable resemblance to the chant of the Orthodox Church.
34
Sharpening Our Faith By Sharing It With Others
Fr. John Garvey Speaks on Orthodoxy’s Dialogue with Other Religions Father Joel Weir
E
ver since the first Apostles of Jesus Christ followed their Lord’s call to preach the Good News to all nations, the question of engagement, dialogue, and coexistence with persons and communities of other religions or worldviews has consistently arisen. Throughout the centuries, the Church has experienced life under the rule of secular and non-religious states, as well as periods when Christianity was the dominant culture, which brought with it the challenge of how to regard those within one’s borders who held different
beliefs. In the writings of the Fathers and the history of the Church we have examples of how different saints in particular historical contexts dealt with the issue of other religions. In 21st century America, postmodernism and globalization invite dialogue among persons of faith, providing arguably unprecedented opportunities for communication as well as access to information about other religious traditions. The challenge for the Orthodox Christian living in this culture lies in the questions: How do I engage in this dialogue without
compromising my faith? How do I acknowledge common ground between Christianity and other religions without buying into the popular notion of religious pluralism – that all religions are equally valid and are simply different paths to the same destination? Father John Garvey, author of many books, including Orthodoxy for the Non-Orthodox, and Death: and the Rest of Our Lives, and a regular contributor to Commonwealth Magazine, has investigated these and other related ques35
tions of the intersection of faith and culture for many years. A convert to Orthodoxy himself, Father John’s experience of learning about other religions once led him to subscribe to a certain religious relativism, or as he puts it, “I once believed in the god of comparative religion.” This belief, however, was eventually transformed into something much different as he delved more deeply into the approach of the Church to other religions throughout history. His journey led him to continue his studies and engagement in the subject of religious dialogue. One of the fruits of his labor on this extremely relevant topic is the book Seeds of the Word: Orthodox Thinking On Other Religions. On October 6, as part of the 39th Annual Adult Education Lecture Series, the St. Tikhon’s Seminary community was blessed to have Fr. John give a presentation based on his book. To begin his lecture, Fr. John proposed, “The idea that God can be at work outside of what we normally see as the boundaries that God has set is something that we need to take really seriously.” Drawing upon a refutation of Calvinism by C.S. Lewis, Fr. John noted that if this were not the case, and all who were outside the Church therefore had no contact with God’s grace, then no one would ever have a chance at encountering Christ, nor the fullness of the life in Christ which Orthodox Christianity offers. Fr. John suggested that within the history of the Church there are many examples of missionaries who, when encountering communities who had not yet heard the Gospel, but had a different religion already established, would specifically find ways to present Christ as a fulfillment of what those peoples 36
were already seeking in their religion. As the first example of missionary work which engaged those “seeds” already planted in a culture, Fr. John cited the greatest missionary in the history of Christianity, St. Paul. Paul, as Fr. John explained, “faced the challenge of preaching to the Gentiles, who were not Jews to whom he could quote the scripture, but rather a people who were totally unfamiliar with anything other than the pagan polytheism of the day, or the philosophers, who were considered atheists by the pagans.” The most clear description we have of how St. Paul specifically engaged this culture is in the account of his encounter at Mars Hill in Athens, where he uses the altar to the unknown god as a point of reference by which to engage the Athenians and present the Gospel. The second century apologist and philosopher St. Justin Martyr, who is credited with the phrase “seeds of the Word,” similarly pointed to the good aspects of the philosophy of his time to suggest that it was the Son and Word of God, Jesus Christ, Who provided these signposts to Himself, the fulfillment and completion of their strivings. Father John used these and several other examples from Tradition to show that engagement with other religions, even knowing the similarities and good attributes those faiths possess, is important on a pastoral level. He reflected that one of the most surprising aspects of his studies of different religions is how much he has been able to apply this knowledge to his pastoral work as a priest. Learning about other faiths can be valuable in that it
affords us an ability to better know and address the reasons why people would embrace those religions. Fr. John suggested that all people who decide to seriously devote themselves to a way of life that requires something of them, and requires that they have faith in something or someone beyond themselves, have at the core of their motivation the acknowledgment that there is something wrong, something broken, in the way things are in the world. He argued that at the root of any honest religious pursuit is “a feeling that the meaning has been wrested away from us, that we are not as we should be. Something keeps us from wholeness, and the human job is to overcome the thing that keeps us from wholeness.” With this understanding, one can approach persons of other religions as seekers of truth, and our witness can be to show them Christ the Way, the Truth, and the Life, in Whom fulfillment of the primal human longing for wholeness and healing is found. Father John shared a story wherein he was approached by a woman who was involved in New Age religion but was very interested in the Orthodox Christian Faith because of the similarities she perceived between New Age “oneness with God” and the Orthodox understanding of theosis. This became an opportunity in which Fr. John’s experience in learning about New Age/Buddhist and Hindu beliefs helped him to understand where the woman was coming from in her search, but also allowed him to present the Gospel by explaining the critical difference between a New Age and an Orthodox Christian understanding of theosis. “What she had learned (in New Age teach-
ing),” Fr. John explained, “was that we are all divine by nature, and if we dig away, we will find that divinity. But the teaching of theosis is very different. God shares His being with us. It’s not part of us naturally. The distinction between uncreated and created is essential for the Christian.”
look on My Face and live,’ Who said, ‘I am very different from you,’ [Who asserts that] He is the Creator and we are the created – to say that this God could take on human flesh, and know sorrow, is to make a shattering claim,” Fr. John explained. “But it is the claim that we are staking our life on.”
This story illustrated how one can at once acknowledge the shared aspects between other religions and Christianity – in this case, the understanding that salvation, the return to wholeness, is achieved when one participates in the life of God; while at the same time revealing the radical difference in the way, or rather, the One, in Whom this participation is possible. Fr. John explained that, often, honest engagement with other religions can actually sharpen and deepen one’s own understanding of his or her Christian faith. “We need this shaking up for the sake of clarity,” Fr. John asserted, “We can get so used to the Christian language and the Christian way of seeing things that we become a little callous and we don’t really see how radical [our] claims are and how shocking they look to people on the outside.”
Christianity is radically different from other faith traditions, and if one is to take seriously the claims that Christ made, then there is an exclusivity in Christ. Where, then, does dialogue intersect with His supremely bold claim: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me”? After a brief overview of the differences between Christianity and other world religions, Fr. John returned to the question of dialogue and common ground. He explained the various ecumenical philosophies that are prevalent today, from the Total Replacement Model, wherein all other religions are replaced by Christianity, and everything in any other religion is false; to the Mutuality Model, wherein no one religion can claim to be “the truth”, and all faiths lead to the same place. Fr. John also described a model adopted by many Roman Catholic and Orthodox theologians, wherein it is possible that God does work through other religions in order to save people, but ultimately all Grace and salvation comes through Jesus Christ exclusively. In other words, it is always Christ Who saves, Who is the fulfillment of man’s desire to be healed and made whole; and the fullness of this Grace and salvation are exclusively found in the Church. If God saves others outside of the Church, the salvation still ultimately
Precisely what safeguards the Christian engaged in dialogue with people of other faiths from slipping into religious relativism – even the Christian who acknowledges similarities and the shared human experience of the search for wholeness and meaning – are the claims that Christianity makes about Jesus Christ, and more fundamentally the claims that Jesus Christ makes about Himself. “The idea that the God who could create the universe from nothing, who did say, ‘You cannot
must come through Jesus Christ. Father John concluded his talk with a number of stories from history where people either had their faith in Christ renewed, or discovered Christianity for the first time, because of an encounter with another religion. As a young man, Fr. John became enamored with many of the concepts and practices of Buddhist meditation. Soon, though, he was blessed to discover the Philokalia. In reading that work, he rejoiced that the Orthodox embraced stillness and watchfulness of the heart, but in a much richer way, a way that “is nourished by sacramental life.” At the same time, he cautioned us that there is a kind of relativism that can actually shut down real dialogue. “When we sit down in dialogue with a Jew, or a Muslim, or a Buddhist, we are not trying to come to some common denominator religion,” Fr. John said. “We’re not trying to get to the one thing we can agree on and the rest of the stuff isn’t important.” The point of real dialogue is honesty and respect for one another as human beings. To acknowledge common strivings towards wholeness, and to even commend the good fruits of the genuine labors of people of other faiths, is not compromising our faith in Christ. Nor is it complying with the relativism of this age. Honest, respectful dialogue may even provide us an opportunity to share the Good News, the One through Whom any good comes, and Who is the answer and destination of those who honestly seek Truth, Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.
37
Islam and the Incarnate Word of God
Archimandrite Daniel Byantoro Lectures at St. Tikhon’s Deacon Joseph Lucas
A
s part of the 2009 St Tikhon’s Fall Lecture Series, Archimandrite Daniel Byantoro—an Indonesian convert from Islam to Orthodox Christianity—offered a multimedia presentation on his mission to Muslims. Father Daniel began his lecture by exploring Islam from an insider’s perspective. As the grandson of an Islamic teacher, he was introduced to life at the mosque at an early age, being tutored by his family in the teachings of the Quran. According to Father Daniel, the essence of Islamic teaching may be summed 38
up in one word: submission. The word “Islam” itself means “to submit,” and it is believed by Muslims that this refers to the submission of the will to Allah. Father Daniel avers that Islam explains the entire cosmos in terms of submission. Muslims believe that all of nature submits to Allah’s will naturally, except for human beings who have the ability to resist the will of Allah.
Quran to their prophet, Muhammad, who then recited it to his wife Kadijah for her to record (Muhammad was illiterate). The various chapters (or “Surah”) were written down between AD 610 and 632 (the year of Muhammad’s death). These prophecies were later collected and arranged into a single book, revered by Muslims as their holy scriptures. Contained in the Quran is the theology of Islam, as well as instructions for how a For the Muslim, the solu- Muslim is to behave and worship. tion to the dilemma of human free The largest sects of Islam—Sunni will is the Quran. They believe and Shiite—do not believe that any that the angel Gabriel dictated the personal contact with Allah is pos-
sible; thus, the Quran serves as the primary means by which a Muslim knows Allah. Father Daniel was introduced to Christianity as a young man in Indonesia. He received a revelation of Jesus Christ in 1974, leading to his conversion. Unfamiliar with Orthodox Christianity, he looked into various Protestant groups in his area. He first heard of the Orthodox Church in 1983, when he came across the book The Orthodox Church by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware. His interest in the Eastern Church culminated in his conversion to Orthodoxy soon thereafter. Through his studies in Orthodox theology, first at the University of Athens, and then at Holy Cross Seminary in Massachusetts, Father Daniel formulated an approach to Orthodoxy that he could present to Muslims in order for them to understand the ancient Christian faith. The crux of Father Daniel’s approach is the concept of “word.” Muslims believe that the Quran is the divine word of Allah, recorded as a text, and that Muhammad is the recipient and communicator of this divine word to humanity. Orthodox Christians, on the other hand, assert that the Word of God is a person—the Son of God—who assumed human nature as Jesus Christ. Despite the obvious differences in theology, both Muslims and Christians believe that God is the source of the divine word; and Muslim theologians even concede that Allah’s word must be “uncreated,” a teaching fundamental to Orthodox Christianity. Thus, the belief in a divine word becomes the
bridge between Islam and Orthodoxy, opening a way for Orthodox Christians to introduce their faith to Muslims. In Father Daniel’s theology, the concept of a divine word is the best way for Muslims to understand the Incarnation—a central teaching in Orthodoxy. The content of the revelation given to Muhammad is said to be preserved on a divine tablet in Heaven (Quran 85:21-22). But the Quran as a recitation in human idiom, the created language of Arabic, ceases to be solely uncreated as such. Likewise, the Quran as a printed text, whether handwritten by a calligrapher or manufactured in a publishing house, is no longer the uncreated tablet preserved within Allah. Whether transmitted orally or in writing, the Quran must be “incarnated” in order for it to reach other Muslims. Although its content is believed to be uncreated, its contextualization for humanity is considered to be a union of uncreated and created. Islamic theologians consider this to be an act of Allah’s condescension to humanity. The first Christian theologian to realize the import of the Muslim teaching concerning the Quran as divine word was St. John Damascene. Having thoroughly studied the Quran and compared it to Orthodox Christian theology, he detected a contradiction in Islamic teaching. He found in the Quran concerning Christ the following verse: “Isa [Jesus] son of Mariam is only a messenger of Allah and his word which he communicated to Mariam, and he is a spirit from Allah” (Quran 4:171). Unlike
Muhammad, who is referred to as both messenger and seal of the prophets, Jesus is spoken of here as Allah’s word, conveyed to Mary by the spirit of Allah through a virginal conception (Quran 66:12). Although this verse was meant to be a polemic against Christianity, it actually elevates the status of Christ high above that of Muhammad. But what is more important is that Muslims consider the Quran to be the word of Allah, and thus uncreated; and if Jesus is referred to as the Word of God in the Quran, then by Islamic reasoning Christ is likewise uncreated. In short, the Quran supports the Christian teaching that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God, even if Muslims do not make this connection. Just as Jesus Christ is considered to be the way to salvation for Christians, it has been argued by Muslim scholars that the Quran is the way to salvation in Islam. This means that the communication of the Quran to humanity must have been completely unsullied by human error. In this regard the virginal birth of Christ finds another parallel in Islamic thought. Father Daniel points out that, according to the Islamic tradition, Muhammad was completely illiterate, and thus unable to reproduce such an eloquent prophecy on his own. The illiterate mind of Muhammad is seen as pure, or stated in another way, virginal. In similar fashion, God chose Mary, a true virgin and pure in heart, to bear God the Word. In both Orthodoxy and Islam, the purity of the recipient of the Word or message is vital to its veracity.
39
view of the Trinity. Quran 5:73-5 states, “Truly they disbelieve who say that Allah is the third of three.” Orthodox theologians would never deny that God is one God, and not three gods. The great dogmatic debates of the early centuries of Christendom dealt specifically with reconciling the great paradox that God is one and yet is known as three persons. Islam believes that Allah’s word and spirit are always with him. In Father Daniel’s theology, this provides an inroad for Muslims to comprehend the Trinity. It is possible for a Muslim to believe in the incarnation of the word of Allah in the form of spoken and written revelation—the Quran. It is only necessary to present the Christian teaching that the To convey this concept to Word and Spirit of God have been Muslims, Father Daniel references revealed to us as persons, not merethe theological approach of the ly as emanations of God. early Church Fathers known as the Father Daniel adds that the “economic Trinity.” According to St Theophilos of Antioch, the Trinity the Quran attacks is not that Word of God remained within God of the Christians, but rather a misbefore the creation of the cosmos, interpretation. For example, the and then was “expressed” at the Quran states: “Allah will say: O Isa time of creation. This same Word son of Mariam! Did you say to of God is later incarnate as Jesus men, ‘Take me and my mother for Christ. He is not a separate god, two gods besides Allah?’ He will but rather exists from the Father say: ‘Glory be to You, it did not and has the same essence. In both befit me that I should say what I Christian and Islamic teaching, the had no right to say’” (5:116). Here, Word of God is distinct from the Mary the Theotokos is confused Father. Because the Word is uncre- for the third person of the Trinity, ated and thus divine, the Church perhaps reflecting Christian devoFathers reasoned that His distinc- tion that had developed by that tion from the Father means that He time. (Evidence exists that an icon possesses a personal (hypostatic) of Christ and the Theotokos was existence. Although Muslim the- placed at the pagan shrine in ologians do not agree, there is Mecca where Muhammad would nothing explicit in the Quran that have worshipped as a youth; thus denies the personal existence of he may have misinterpreted the Allah’s word and spirit. Christian veneration of the Virgin.) So it is not necessarily the Trinity This leads us to the Islamic proclaimed in the Orthodox It is true that the Quran explicitly denies that Allah could beget a son (Quran 112:1-4). But this is not problematic for Orthodox Christians, whose theology likewise denies that God could beget a son in the human sense of the term. As the Cappadocian Fathers emphasized, we cannot perceive of “begetting” (of the Son) or “procession” (of the Spirit) in human terms. Since the Father, who is the source and cause of the other two Persons of the Trinity, is uncreated and outside of time, human concepts of sonship are meaningless. The Church adopted the name “Son” for the Word of God through divine revelation, and not as a result of human reason.
40
Church that is attacked in the Quran, but a skewed version of it. After formulating his approach to evangelizing Muslims, Father Daniel returned to Indonesia in 1988 to begin mission work. Beginning with the conversion of his own family members in the city of East Java, Father Daniel’s mission grew rapidly. The stories he related from the mission’s early days resemble the Book of Acts, replete with miracles and many conversions to Orthodoxy. Because of the growth of the fledgling Indonesian Orthodox Church, Father Daniel began to push for legal recognition by the state. Due to his diligence, the Indonesian granted legal status to the Church in November, 1991. Father Daniel brought the Church under the canonical auspices of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, who then elevated him to the rank of Archimandrite. Today, the Indonesian Orthodox Church has approximately 2,000 adult members, and continues to grow daily, with numerous indigenous clergy. Father Daniel relocated to the United States several years ago, entrusting the mission to his disciples, and keeping in constant contact with the faithful. He currently lectures throughout North America, translates texts into his native languages, and hosts a popular podcast show on Ancient Faith Radio titled Christ the Eternal Kalimat. It was our joy to welcome Fr. Daniel into our midst, and we pray that God will give him – and us – many more opportunities to share the Fullness of Faith with all whom God puts in our paths.
Rebuilding Hope:
A Seminarian’s Reflection on IOCC’s Gulf Coast Relief Program Father Joel Weir
I
n late August of 2005, just one year before my family and I made our way from Indiana to Pennsylvania to begin four years at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, Hurricane Katrina brought destruction to the Gulf Coast, from central Florida to east Texas. With the subsequent levee collapse in New Orleans, the nation found itself in the midst of a humanitarian crisis, with nearly 2,000 people dead, and over one million displaced. The hardest hit areas were the poorest communities. Like most Americans, I watched in disbelief the footage coming from New Orleans and surrounding areas. My wife and I wanted to help out, but with the impending major upheaval of moving to seminary, along with the need to heal and mourn the recent repose of my father, we resolved to try to help the relief effort in other ways without leaving home; it was simply not the right time. Near the beginning of my first spring semester at St. Tikhon’s, I was made aware of the U.S. Program of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). I learned that IOCC had partnered with the local Habitat For Humanity in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. The U.S. Program director, Pascalis Papouras explained to me that IOCC planned on having volunteer teams work on building Habitat homes as long as was needed. I signed up and made my first trip to New Orleans after completing my first year at St. Tikhon’s. The experience of work-
ing with IOCC and Habitat was such a blessing that I returned the following summer along with my wife, Maria. This past summer, our final summer at St. Tikhon’s, Maria and I were blessed to lead an IOCC team to New Orleans. The first full day of every work week with IOCC in the Gulf Coast Relief Program is dedicated to a guided tour of the places most affected by Hurricane Katrina. The purpose of the tour is not “sight seeing” but rather to demonstrate the reality of the long-term rebuilding process in the area. Even last summer, four years after Katrina, many areas look shockingly similar to the way they did my first year in New Orleans. It is unfortunate that when a story leaves the headlines, usually the relief work has only
just begun. The kind of work that IOCC does, consistently, locally, and efficiently is so critical to lasting relief to a community that lost nearly everything. The other essential component to what IOCC does is that it is personal. When you volunteer for an IOCC/Habitat Team, you work side by side with local volunteers, and sometimes even with the person whose home you are building. Everyone you meet has a story, and it is often extremely humbling to hear the hope and faith in their voices, knowing the struggle they have faced in the past few years. I remember Pascalis explaining to me, from his experience, how building homes, providing relief, and simply being present in the midst of crisis is evangelism. 41
IOCC does not function as a “missions” organization as such, but is focused primarily on providing humanitarian aid. Pascalis passionately believes that we as Orthodox must answer the call when disaster strikes, and be there immediately, but also for the long haul. The work that IOCC does, in
its local and relational focus, is about the rebuilding of persons and communities as well as the rebuilding of homes and neighborhoods. It is a tangible and visible witness to the Lord Who is a friend of the poor, not a stranger to sorrows, and near to the broken-hearted.
Martha and Mary House Seminarian John Malcom
O
n Tuesday, November 3, Sarah Oftedal spoke to the students and faculty of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, as well as many guests from local communities, concerning Martha and Mary House: a Pan-Orthodox maternity home dedicated to “at risk” pregnant young women. Martha and Mary House provides residence, vocational training, support, and even coordinates the process for adoption if the woman so chooses. These women (and sometimes older girls) have very few options for keeping their children but desire to protect their unborn babies’ lives and bring them to term rather than choose to have an abortion. Part of what makes these women’s pregnancies “at risk” is the fact that they, like a growing number of women in our country, are in relationships (and sometimes families) where they cannot reveal their pregnancy without fear of reprisals and/or extreme pressure to abort.
Sarah passionately presents Martha and Mary House through the prism of her own painful experience. Immigrating to the United States from Norway, she had already had two abortions by the time she arrived at just 21 years old. A short time later she found herself pregnant again. However, unlike in Norway, when she approached a doctor here about an having an abortion, she was informed they were illegal. It was at this point that she
42
House, at once addresses the needs of women in “crisis pregnancies,” while also providing essential space for the healing process for women who have had abortions in the past.
found a “maternity house” where women could go to give birth to their children – this particular one being run by the Roman Catholic Church. The women lived in anonymity, not even using their real names. She gave birth to her child and placed him up for adoption. Slowly, she began to realize her profound grief from the abortions she had received and developed a twelve step program for women dealing with the same emotional trauma. Sarah also became committed to preventing the tragedy of abortion and eventually she set up a home like the maternity house where she had given birth. Officially incorporated in 2001, her vision became reality and was given the name “Martha and Mary House” to reflect the Christ-centered, Orthodox women-serving-women mission and approach of the home. It opened its doors in 2002. The twelve step program, along with the personal care that is offered at Mary and Martha
Sarah’s advice for those of us who would one day be priests was centered on building the trust of parishioners, half of whom will be women. Very likely some of them are women who have experienced one of the 45 million abortions performed in this country since 1973. In order to apply the therapy of the Church they must be able to talk to us about their experience and the kinds of issues they are facing. She also encouraged us to pastorally help them through their post-abortion trauma by commemorating the aborted children at the Divine Liturgy. Sarah’s hope is that her example will provide people with a desire to establish more homes like Martha and Mary House and to reach out to women who are dealing with the issues surrounding having a child. Education for younger women is particularly important ensuring they are aware of the alternatives to abortion if they become pregnant. And of course, our greatest hope and prayer is that through the efforts of servants like Sarah Oftedal, women unexpectedly facing motherhood, and the men equally responsible for their unplanned pregnancies, will make the “choice” to give their babies life.
Bringing the Lord’s Love to Suffering Neighbors, Near and Far: A Visit from IOCC Seminarian John Malcom And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, to test Him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets. (Matt. 22:37-40)
O
n October 27, 2009, Nicholas Chakos, the Development Officer for International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), gave a lecture at the Seminary concerning the critical humanitarian role that the IOCC is playing throughout the world. The initiatives of IOCC, accomplished in many countries as well as on our own soil, are helping to spread the love of Christ through charitable work. This charitable work varies in scope, and ranges from helping to distribute medical supplies to helping clergy become certified in drug and alcohol counseling. Work is also being done in underdeveloped countries to help educate people in basic life skills (e.g., hygiene), which we often take for granted. The mission statement of IOCC is simple: IOCC, in the spirit of Christ’s love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox
tion to the cause of IOCC. Natural disasters in the United States have also made the need for relief urgent among our neighbors here. In an ongoing effort to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, over two hundred IOCC volunteers have helped to build fifty new homes in the Gulf Coast area of Louisiana. One of the reasons that IOCC is able to provide so much for people that are in need is the organization’s ability to effectively use the funds that it receives. Of every dollar that IOCC takes in, they are able to use ninety-two cents toward charitable causes. The result of this is that when people Church to so respond. With this give to the IOCC, they can be conmission statement at the heart of fident that their offering is going to everything that IOCC does, it is a good cause. able to be a very active force in promoting unity among Orthodox We are thankful that Mr. people of different backgrounds Chakos was able to share the spirit and also provides the tools and of IOCC with us at St. Tikhon’s. expertise necessary to help those Now it is up to us to encourage our who are in need. One of the key parishes and our fellow Orthodox aspects that helps make IOCC Christians to give generously of effective is that they use programs our time and money to assist IOCC that are already in place in areas in its efforts at “helping others help where they are working. They also themselves.” We should take the train local people to enable them to time to read and respond to the do the work that needs to be done, mailings we receive from IOCC so that whatever is set up by IOCC and to spread the word about this does not collapse after they leave. truly wonderful organization, which is striving to extend the Nick Chakos explained that healing hand of Christ to those IOCC offers many different oppor- most in need, across the country tunities for people to volunteer for and around the globe. mission work in other countries. He spoke of how his own personal experience in Romania and Ethiopia had deepened his devo43
Images of Orthodox East Africa Professor Harry Boosalis
A
fter months of fundraising and anxious preparation, my son Michael and I finally embarked on our very first mission trip. On July 27th we departed for the remote regions of Tanzania in East Africa. This trip proved to be the most exciting and exhilarating journey I have ever been on, yet at the same time the most exhausting. Our mission commenced on the shores of Florida’s eastern Atlantic coast in the historic city of St. Augustine. We were warmly welcomed by the dedicated staff of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center who provided us with our final orientation. Joining us in St. Augustine were our team leader Fr. Michael Miklos and Briana Finui, both of the American Carpatho-Russian Diocese. The four of us comprised the American side of our missionteam. We met the other half four members of the in Church of Finland Amsterdam. Our international team was jointly co-sponsored by SCOBA (Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas) and the Orthodox Church of Finland. Ours was the first OCMC mission team equally composed of four members from two different countries.
entered another world. The main roads were lined with endless venders selling various goods from small wooden shacks. Women wore colorful tongas with small babies strapped across their backs, yet somehow managing to balance tall round baskets on top of their heads, amid a As soon as we touched down noisy and never-ending stream of in Uganda, we knew we had pedestrians, bicycles and speeding
44
automobiles. We finally arrived in the small town of Kayanga located in the district of Karagwe in the northwestern tip of Tanzania, which was to be our temporary home. Karagwe is near the scenic southwestern shore of Lake Victoria. Our task was twofold: first, to teach courses on Orthodox faith
and theology to one hundred students of various ages at a special seminar organized by the local Metropolitan, JERONYMOS of Mwanza; and secondly, to be ‘ambassadors of good will’ to the people of Tanzania as we travelled with the Metropolitan to various communities throughout his diocese. Under the inspired leadership of Metropolitan Jeronymos, this particular region of Tanzania is experiencing an incredible thirty percent annual growth rate, with a new seminary, churches, clinics and schools. Metropolitan Jeronymos was born in Uganda and educated in Athens, and is fluent in both Greek and English. It was a great honor to work with this man and his devoted staff in such a unique and blessed ministry. Our teaching mission was only one segment of the longer seminars organized by the Metropolitan, where he gathers selected young people, and future leaders and teachers from various villages of his diocese. Nurses, educators, tradesmen and other professionals are invited to provide workshops on agriculture, construction, economics, health and hygiene. The students return home and pass
their newly acquired knowledge and skills to their fellow villagers, improving the overall quality of life in their village. The poverty we encountered was incredible. Tanzania is one of the poorest places on earth. Many homes in the rural areas are constructed out of mud-bricks and bamboo sticks. The average life expectancy for Tanzanians is only around fifty years. Many suffer from malaria and yellow fever, and in many areas there is no clean water or adequate sanitation. Despite such extreme poverty, the people were still so joyful and dignified. Most memorable were the smiling faces and joyful voices of the young children who would often flock around us wherever we went, with wide smiles spread across their eager-eyed faces shouting “Mzungu!, Mzungu!”, which in Swahili means “Whiteman” We taught our classes in English, with the help of a translator. It was strange at first, speaking only in short, concise phrases, and then having to wait for each phrase to be translated into Swahili. Somehow it worked out 45
better than expected. It was a joy to see the positive responses and genuine interest reflected in the eyes of our students. Among our most cherished memories were the opportunities to personally accompany His Eminence Metropolitan Jeronymos on his long journeys through the remote regions of his diocese. It was a moving experience to travel with him as he visited communities and schools and consecrated new churches. This year alone the Metropolitan is scheduled to consecrate thirty new churches! We were warmly received into all the parish communities we visited. The joyous receptions with which they honored us after Liturgy, as they “brought out the drums” and danced for us, will remain with me forever. Celebrating the Liturgy in Swahili amid the loud and harmonious congregational singing was an experience of a lifetime. Many of the faithful knew the Liturgy by heart, and the delight tant communities even dancing they shared as they sang praises to with them to the beat of their African drums after Liturgy is to the Lord was felt by all. see a genuine missionary at work; Metropolitan Jeronymos has a a missionary man in the truest very elegant, even regal way about sense of the word; a man specially him as he serves the Divine “sent out” by God. Liturgy. Dressed in his hierarchiOne of the most encouraging cal vestments, he was always clothed in truly Christ-like love aspects of the mission was to see and humility. Watching him how the Lord used us to reach out interact as an arch-pastor among and touch the hearts of these his young priests and witnessing young African believers, even the loving, pastoral relationship through the means of a translator. he has with the people of his dis- In a quiet yet sincere way, I could 46
sense an inner connection with the students through the attentive yet endearing looks in their eyes. Somehow, by God’s grace, we pray that the spiritual seeds planted in the souls of those young believers will continue to grow and blossom forth. Another great lesson learned from the success of our team was the importance of being patient with one another, and how vital it is not to impose our own will on those around us. Our teaching
team, despite coming from such diverse backgrounds, somehow gelled so easily together. We felt like family. I realize now how beneficial it was to let God’s will unfold according to His way and His time, and not according to ours. It was amazing to see the wonderful ways the Lord continues to work in His vast vineyard, through so many different, dedicated and uniquely talented people if we only let Him.
different God measures the true quality of human life; how His values differ from ours; and how contrary they seem when compared with the ways of the world: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55. 8,9).
May our Lord continue to bless the holy ministry of His Eminence, Metropolitan Jeronymos, and all the faithful throughout the Church of Tanzania, for many, many years. And may He grant me another such opportunity to one day return to the wonderful people of Orthodox East Africa.
It was remarkable, and at the same time humbling, to see how grateful our African brothers and sisters were to us for coming to Tanzania. They expressed their gratitude through the joyous beat of their beloved drums and the rhythmic movements of their traditional dancing. Such sights and sounds will never be forgotten. Amid such extreme poverty, I saw and shared in the innate joy of these beautiful people. I found a
renewed sense of reassurance in God’s great and fathomless providence for all of his precious children. And I realized how vastly 47
An Outpouring of Love: St. Tikhon’s Seminary Community Honors His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL
O
n the evening of the Feast of Ascension, May 13, the Seminary community, alumni, family and friends filled the school’s auditorium for a very special banquet honoring His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL. Hosted by His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, the evening provided the opportunity for an expression of heartfelt love and gratitude to the beloved Dean of nine years on the occasion of his consecration and enthronement as Bishop of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey just days before. The number of lives touched during Bishop Michael’s tenure as Dean and professor (His Grace has served for seventeen years as a teacher of Scripture, Ethics, and Pastoral Theology) was beautifully demonstrated not only by the packed house, but by the various presentations made, honoring a man who has overseen years of tremendous growth and transition at the Seminary. 48
The outpouring of love came from every corner of the greater St. Tikhon’s community. The monastery, the alumni, faculty, staff, students and their families, all expressed their appreciation in words and gifts, all of which reflected the unique way that Bishop Michael has ministered to these diverse groups. From the gift of the hand painted copy of the “She Who Is Quick To Hear” Icon, to the memory book compiled by the student-wives, each moment of gratitude was a glimpse into the fruit of Bishop Michael’s tireless work for his beloved Seminary over the past two decades. Among the most moving moments was the gift of song from the Church School kids. One of Bishop Michael’s greatest contributions to the Seminary has been his vision of St. Tikhon’s as a school that embraces, encourages, and enables enrollment and participation of married men with families of all ages. It was a fitting testimony to his work to see a stage full of kids, from toddlers to teenagers, expressing their thanks with their voices and smiles.
When Bishop Michael was first asked to take on full time responsibilities as Administrative Dean at St. Tikhon’s in 2001, he had to make a sacrifice. He had to leave a parish that he loved, a parish that had flourished under his care. Bishop Michael explained in his address to the community at the banquet that he made the decision to come to St. Tikhon’s full time out of his love for the seminarians. And indeed, throughout his time as Dean he has unfailingly preached, and practiced, his belief that to love and support a seminarian and, if he is married, his family as well – is to love and support the Church. It is now time for Bishop Michael to make another sacrifice, leaving a community he loves dearly, a flock that has flourished under his care. It is with sadness that we, the St. Tikhon’s seminarians and our families, say goodbye to our beloved Dean and father. Yet it is with joy and confidence, and love for the Church, that we support His Grace’s departure for the next flock to which he has been called. We pray that his new flock, too, will flourish, sharing that same love of which we have been so privileged to be the recipients.
“Bishop Michael Was There” In considering the many obstacles facing young men striving to give their lives to the service of the Lord, we must take great notice when God sends an instrument of love to aid us in our struggle. Struggling through seminary, we have indeed learned the loving mercy of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ. Though the trials and temptations are many, we are blessed with agents of God’s love placed in our lives to demonstrate His mercy. There is no greater agent of Christ’s love in the lives of St. Tikhon’s seminarians than Bishop Michael. For all of us, it has been a real blessing to have been able to experience the joy of his consecration. While it is true that we rejoice for the Holy Orthodox Church in Bishop Michael’s election to the episcopate, we carry in our hearts a sense of sorrow in that our beloved pastor is moving on. Above all, we regret not taking more opportunities to thank him for all of the loving sacrifices he has made for us. Never will we be able to find the words to appropriately express our gratitude for all that he has done in our lives. While Bishop Michael is most certainly our Dean, he has been to all of us so much more. The depth of this sentiment is perhaps most evident among seminarians preparing for their exams. In that studies are naturally important to a determined seminarian, it is no surprise that students study diligently for his exams. What distinguishes the efforts, however, is the fear we have in preparation for Bishop Michael’s exams. It’s not merely the fear of pupils who don’t want to fall short of a good score. It is the fear of sons who don’t want to disappoint their father. Truly Bishop Michael has been our father. Whenever a seminarian struggled, Bishop Michael was there. When our wives were sick, Bishop Michael was there. When things unraveled at home, Bishop Michael was there. When our studies floundered, Bishop Michael was there. When we needed encouragement, Bishop Michael was there. When we needed money, Bishop Michael was there. When we needed love, Bishop Michael was there. St. Paul offers us exhortation, writing, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Cor 13:2-3). Some might imagine that at seminary there is a danger in learning the faith in a purely empirical manner, completely void of love. Bishop Michael, however, made our theology real by teaching us how to love. He has made the words of St. Paul alive to us, and by his example, he has written them on our hearts. Bishop Michael, as you prepare to leave St. Tikhon’s, know that we will always carry you in our hearts. Our prayers and loving support shall follow you all the days of your life. Thank you for all that you have done for us; for being our father, our mentor, our teacher, our example of Christ’s love. Bishop Michael, we love you; and it is our prayer that we may one day be there for Christ’s flock the way you have always been there for us. May God bless you and grant you many more years of fruitful ministry.
The Students of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, 2010
49
Sharing the Blessings: A Reflection on the Election, Elevation, and Consecration of His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL
O
ver the past academic year, the St. Tikhon's Seminary community has been blessed with the extraordinary opportunity to share in our beloved Dean, Fr. Michael's journey to the next chapter in his life of service to the Holy Orthodox Church: his election and consecration to the Episcopacy. The news that came from the Holy Synod on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, that Archpriest Michael Dahulich had been elected Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, was met with joy and support within the community, even as the bittersweet realization set in, that St. Tikhon's would be losing a great leader and father in Christ. Our loss as a community, though, would be gain for the Orthodox Church in America, the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, and the Holy Synod of Bishops. In the months that followed, the St. Tikhon's community was able to be present for Fr. Michael's transition to his new life, to offer our prayers, support, and love during this exciting time. On Saturday evening, October 24 , Fr. Michael was tonsured a riasaphore monk by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church. His Beatitude explained that this was the first step in Fr. Michael's life as a monastic. Those in attendance spoke afterward of the transformation they witnessed, and felt greatly blessed to be present for such a moment. Seeing Fr. Michael around the th
50
the rank of Archimandrite the following morning, Holy Wednesday, March 31, in preparation for his upcoming episcopal role. There was something very fitting in the fact that both this occasion and the day of Fr. Michael's tonsuring as a riasaphore monk coincided with the ordinations of two seminarians. Fr. Michael has always expressed that among his greatest joys is being present at the ordination of his students. During these days, leading up to and culminating in Fr. Michael's consecration and enthronement, his students, present and past, along with their families were able to experience the joy of seeing their beloved father in Christ fulfill a calling to the Holy During Holy Week this year, Episcopacy. Metropolitan Jonah once again visitOn Saturday, May 8, 2010, ed St. Tikhon's. During his visit, he tonsured Fr. Michael into the Lesser Archimandrite Michael (Dahulich) Schema on Tuesday evening, March was consecrated Bishop of the 30, and mitred and elevated him to Diocese of New York and New Jersey
Seminary with a klobuk and beard was at first an unusual sight, but even as he adjusted, joking at the St. Michael's Day Talent Show about responses to his “new look,” the acceptance and overall feeling that this very much “made sense” was expressed overwhelmingly in the community. Fr. Michael's leadership and love, as a true pastor of the Church, of which students and families at St. Tikhon's have been the beneficiaries time and time again, have led many to wonder over the years whether someday Fr. Michael would be elected to the episcopacy. Seeing it become reality seemed more a confirmation than a surprise.
at SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah presided, and was joined by several members of the OCA Holy Synod of Bishops: His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate; His Eminence, Archbishop SERAPHIM of Ottawa and Canada; His Grace, Bishop NIKON, of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese; His Grace, Bishop TIKHON of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania; His Grace, Bishop BENJAMIN of San Francisco and the West; and His Grace, Bishop MELCHISEDEK of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Also participating from the Antiochian Archdiocese were His Grace, Bishop THOMAS of the Diocese of Charleston, Oakland, and the Mid-Atlantic; and His Grace, Bishop MARK of Toledo and the Midwest. Also present was His Beatitude, Metropolitan THEODOSIUS (Retired) of All America and Canada. Over a thousand clergy and faithful from all over the country packed SS. Peter and Paul Church to witness the consecration, and countless others were present by way of their prayers, a testimony to the number of lives that Bishop MICHAEL has touched. Two buses brought a large constituency of seminarians and families from St. Tikhon's. It was again very fitting that Bishop Michael's first act as a hierarch was to ordain two of his students, Deacon Danial Doss to the Holy Priesthood, and Seminarian Thaddeus Franta to the Holy Diaconate. This joy flowed forth again the next day, Sunday, May 9,
as Bishop Michael ordained another Seminary alumnus, Subdeacon John Diamantis (Class of 2007) to the Holy Diaconate, just prior to His Grace’s formal enthronement and ascent to the cathedra of his Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection in New York City. There was a sense of fulfillment in the fact that Bishop Michael, who as a priest had nurtured and guided so many vocations, was now the one laying hands, becoming a vessel of Grace, for the ordaining of those called to serve as clergy in Christ's vineyard.
“The Church is not about me; it’s about Christ... It’s not about you, it’s about everyone else, together, as the Body of Christ, for one another's salvation.”
At the conclusion of Bishop Michael's acceptance address at the banquet held in his honor on the day of his consecration, he spoke the simple and powerful words that seminarians at St. Tikhon's have often heard in class, in sermons, and in moments of personal counsel with Vladyka Michael. He said, “The Church is not about me; it’s about Christ... It’s not about you, it’s about everyone else, together, as the Body of Christ, for one another's salvation.” His humble message of true Christian leadership and conciliarity has always been at the center of Vladyka Michael's instruction and formation of seminarians. Perhaps this is what has made this
journey through what was a very special year at St. Tikhon's so filled with joy, even in the midst of our sadness at the loss of “Father Michael.” We know that the inspiration and support that we have received in our vocations as seminarians, the love for Christ and His Church that is so infectious in Vladyka Michael's words and actions, will now have the opportunity to spread further, into his diocese, and to the greater Orthodox Church in North America. Throughout this year, Vladyka Michael's immediate response to anyone who would congratulate him or ask questions about his future life in the episcopacy was a simple, “please pray for me.” Let us, members of the St. Tikhon's community, who have received so much from Vladyka's tireless service during his years at the Seminary, remember always to pray for him, that the Lord might grant His mercy, grace, and strength upon His servant, the Right Reverend Michael, Bishop of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey.
Eis Polla Eti, Despota! 51
Showing the Way of the Shepherd of Souls: We Pay Tribute to Fr. Alexander Golubov, Academic Dean
A
of priesthood, especially sensitive to those who like himself, were born elsewhere, but have come to America, seeking to preserve the Faith as their living reality in a world very different from the one they left behind. To do this, as he has taught us, one has to be attentive to people, to their condition, their needs and aspirations, being a shepherd who In his years at St. Tikhon’s tends and guards the sheep, leading Seminary, Fr. Alexander Golubov has them on a path that is safe to follow. provided a unique example to those It is this vast and valuable experience of us who have sat in his classes, sought counsel in his office as Academic Dean, or received his guidance as a spiritual father. The example he has given is of the priest as mediator, the one who stands in the middle, bringing people to God and God to his people. Fr. Alexander modeled this in a variety of ways, serving Christ and His Church as pastor, educator, and administrator – but first and foremost, as pastor. fter two decades of service at St. Tikhon’s Seminary as Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Spirituality and Academic Dean of the school, the Very Rev. Archpriest Alexander Golubov will be leaving St. Tikhon’s Seminary at the end of this academic year.
As a pastor he has served in parishes throughout his thirty years 52
in ministry that has been at the heart of Fr. Alexander’s ongoing contribution to the Seminary. As an educator, in spirituality and pastoral care, he has demonstrated that the life of faith is a concrete experience in the here and now – that God is with us in His Son Jesus Christ, and is to be found in our midst, within His Church. Moreover, while his teaching cultivates attentiveness to oneself and to others, he has above all emphasized the primacy of God – of His plan, and of His timing – in the life of faith. This means humility and patience on our part, waiting for the Lord to show the way and following in obedience to Him. So it was that he advised those seeking ordination to wait for the tap on the shoulder rather than initiating the process on our own. “Don’t reach for the fruit!” is his oft-repeated, and hopefully often-heeded, exhortation. As an administrator, Father
Alexander has played an extremely important role in the emergence of St. Tikhon’s as a state-recognized graduate professional institution of learning, nationally accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). As Academic Dean, he took a major leadership role in St. Tikhon’s initial candidacy in 2002, followed by the Self-Study and eventual accreditation in 2004. Father Alexander’s labors and leadership continued to bear fruit this past year, as St. Tikhon’s received accreditation renewal, as well as greater recognition internationally. Here too, mediation between the worlds of the Church and state, Orthodox and nonOrthodox education, defined Father’s role, translating the mission and context of St. Tikhon’s into a language that both the State Department of Education and ATS could understand, while simultaneously communicating the benefit to St. Tikhon’s of entering into the wider arena of American theological education. As a mentor and spiritual father to many seminarians, Fr. Alexander has shown personal care and practical guidance. Many of his spiritual children speak of Fr. Alexander’s tireless willingness to take the time to listen to them and offer guidance through their seminary journey. His advice is never out of touch with reality or too intellectual for the person he is talking to, and it is founded in a deep love for other people and an understanding of his role as a pastor. Father Alexander has united in his own experience life and education in America, as well as in Russia, receiving theological formation in Russia at a time when the Church there was subjugated, returning to the U.S. to serve the Church in a cli-
“His advice is never out of touch with reality or too intellectual for the person he is talking to, and it is founded in a deep love for other people and an understanding of his role as a pastor.” mate of freedom. To a Church in its adolescence in America, he has brought the riches of over a millennium of Orthodox Christian Tradition. And to people new to American shores and American life, and those new to neither of those but yet new to Orthodoxy, he has demonstrated the ability to use the things of this world, the culture, both high and low, as tools in evangelization. At St. Tikhon’s this has manifested itself in his ability to greatly broaden students’ perspectives, often challenging their preconceived notions of the priesthood, ministry, and Orthodoxy. Fr. Alexander’s experience and ability to build bridges has been demonstrated by his care and support of foreign students who face special challenges while attending seminary in the United States.
But no tool has he used so effectively as the Sacred Scriptures and the Divine Liturgy, revealing how the latter serves as the context for understanding the former. Among his most memorable lessons among students has been his use of Psalm 22(23) as the rubric for pastoral care, making each verse of the psalm a source of guidance for different dimensions of priestly ministry. Equally enlightening was his instruction in how the life of each person in the communion of the Church reflects the progress of the Church – from Abel to the Ascension. One of the most valuable things that Fr. Golubov taught his classes was that as pastors, we must be able to prepare for the many hardships that we will face. He did not mince words about this. As with the examples he gave of many situations he had faced as a pastor, his discussions of the idea of the suffering we would endure as priests is something that has been very eye-opening for many of us. Through this understanding of the truly sacred nature of the journey that many of us are embarking on, coupled with his emphasis on the need for spiritual reflection on our parts as priests, we have been given a very healthy way to look at our potential roles in the Church. These fruits of pastoral experience and theological reflection have provided a challenge to us, his students, the challenge to be “all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor 9:22). Fr. Alexander has shown us how this can be done, for which we are profoundly grateful for his years of service to St. Tikhon’s Seminary.
53
His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH, Awarded Honorary Doctorate
H
is Grace, the Right Reverend JOSEPH, Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the West of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, was born Joseph G. Al-Zehlaoui in 1950 in Damascus, Syria. He received his elementary education in Damascus, and his secondary education at Our Lady of Balamand Monastery in Koura, Northern Lebanon. He studied philosophy at Lebanese University in Beirut and theology, languages and music at Salonika University in Greece. He is fluent in Arabic, English and Greek.
His Grace was ordained to the Holy Diaconate while a student in Salonica, in December, 1976. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Beatitude, Patriarch IGNATIUS IV, at St. Mary Cathedral in Damascus in December, 1980. He was Dean of St. Mary Cathedral of Damascus, and oversaw Holy Cross Church and other parishes in the suburbs of Damascus. In 1983, he pastored the Arab Orthodox faithful living in London, England, and in 1986 he was sent to Cyprus to minister to the Arab Orthodox there. He was elected to the Episcopate May 5, 1991, and consecrated June 30, 1991 with the title “Bishop of Katana, Syria.” During his clerical ministry, His Grace served as General Supervisor and Professor of Religious Education at the Al Assiyeh Orthodox College and supervised the Patriarchal headquarters in Damascus. Besides being the Patriarchal Assistant for several years, His Grace served as the secretary to the Holy Synod of Antioch and Editor-in-Chief of the Patriarchal 54
the constantly changing needs of the faithful in the parishes. His desire for Orthodox unity in America has carried over into his work with his brother bishops of the canonical Orthodox Church jurisdictions in the West. On April 10, 2007, Sayidna Joseph hosted their historic first gathering in Los Angeles. In attendance were His Eminence, Metropolitan GERASIMOS of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco; His Grace, Bishop MAXIM of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America; and His Grace, Bishop BENJAMIN of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of the West. Bulletin and participated in several international theological conferences. At the request of His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP, His Grace was selected by the Holy Synod of Antioch on January 24, 1995, to be an Auxiliary Bishop for the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. On September 12, 2004, His Grace was enthroned as the first Bishop of the Holy Diocese of Los Angeles and the West by Metropolitan PHILIP, Primate, and the Local Holy Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. In the late 1990s, Sayidna initiated the annual Diocesan Clergy Seminars, bringing in famed Orthodox Christian scholars and pastors to provide for the ongoing education of his priests and deacons, in order to meet
A true shepherd, Sayidna Joseph has lovingly labored amidst the souls entrusted to him – baptizing, marrying, ordaining, eulogizing; opening his chancery to all who need him; and offering online “Thought for the Day” quotes from the Holy Fathers to inspire the faithful. He has helped make the daily liturgical prayers and hymnography more understandable and accessible through his “Service Texts” – word-for-word compilations of the daily divine services for the edification of the worshippers. Bishop Joseph has labored to live by these words read over him as he was consecrated to the Holy Episcopacy in 1991: “Grant, O Christ, that this man, who has been appointed a steward of the episcopal grace, may become an imitator of Thee, the True Shepherd, by laying down his life for Thy sheep.”
Resolution of the Board of Trustees of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary on the Conferral of the Degree DOCTOR OF DIVINITY, honoris causa, on Bishop JOSEPH (Al-Zehlaoui) WHEREAS, His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH (Al-Zehlaoui) has given his entire life to the service of the Holy Orthodox Church of Antioch in many lands, most notably Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, England and, currently, the western United States and Canada; AND WHEREAS, he has shepherded the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West for nearly fifteen years, a diverse flock of Middle Eastern immigrants, native-born North Americans, and those who have chosen Holy Orthodoxy as the one, true Faith, making no distinction between their backgrounds; AND WHEREAS, he has spearheaded inter-jurisdictional cooperation on the West Coast and pledged, with his brother bishops in that region, to provide the clergy and the laity an example of liturgical unity in Christ Jesus above all obstacles, manifesting that the Sacraments dissolve all divisions; AND WHEREAS, he is devoted to the ongoing pastoral formation of his current and future clergy, stressing the importance of seminaries and all institutions of higher Orthodox Christian learning, as well as attendance at the annual Clergy Seminars in order to continue and build on their knowledge for the benefit of their parishes; AND WHEREAS, he is personally committed to the growth of each one of his sheep, giving and doing all that is necessary to counsel, teach and lead them in “The Way,” freely giving of his spiritual acumen for the sake of their life and salvation in Jesus Christ; AND WHEREAS, he has wisely guided his clergy in the evangelization of the Diocese entrusted to him, remaining steadfast to the Antiochian traditions while transfiguring them with the newness of Orthodoxy in this land, ensuring that the Gospel is spread through its four corners, and that newcomers to the Faith are securely and properly rooted in Holy Orthodoxy; AND WHEREAS, he has inspired ministry of the laity of all ages, providing for programs of camping, youth education, and teen outreach, as well as college campus activity for young adults; parish council and organization leadership; and, above all, a greater participation in the liturgical arts, guiding the clergy and laity into organic, dynamic unity with their heritage of true worship; NOW BE IT AND IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of St Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, to confer on His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH (Al-Zehlaoui), loyal son of Antioch and devoted father in North America, illumined educator and patient shepherd, inspiring churchman and loving archpastor, the academic degree Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa. Given in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, this 29th day of May, 2010.
55
In Memoriam: His Eminence, Archbishop JOB Father Joel Weir
O
n a Monday afternoon in mid-December, with questions about “what comes after seminary” weighing on my heart, I picked up the phone and called my bishop, His Eminence, Archbishop JOB. Vladyka was on the road as usual, on his way to another archpastoral visit somewhere among the eleven states in his diocese, spanning North Dakota to Ohio. My family and I were scheduled to have lunch with Vladyka in Chicago just before Christmas, and part of me thought these questions could wait until then. Nevertheless, I made the call. Just days later, we received the news that Vladyka had unexpectedly fallen asleep in the Lord. I immediately recalled our conversation, and realized that the pain of loss I was feeling was much greater and deeper than I would have anticipated. Of course, we mourn the loss of our hierarchs. We love them. We honor them with special services, as ones who were given a great task of prayer and discernment for so many souls in their care. With Vladyka Job's repose, so many of us truly lost a father. As the phone began ringing and emails were exchanged that December afternoon, some of the first people I wanted to talk to, and mourn with, were my fellow Midwest seminarians. All of us shared memories of Vladyka's care, guidance, and support throughout our seminary experience. From the first spark of vocation, Vladyka showed personal interest in each of us, and our families.
56
ilies, forged a strong bond. That bond made it not only possible, but even normal for a seminarian like myself to feel completely comfortable picking up the phone and calling him, not only with questions of procedure, but for real spiritual direction and counsel. We all knew that the decisions he made about our future were invariably approached with prayer and careful spiritual discernment. An archpriest has said of Vladyka, “He was a pastor of pastors.” He exuded an ethos of genuine Christian love that exemplified self-sacrifice and humility. I His Eminence specifically rechave learned more lessons from him ommended I go to St. Tikhon's: “Well, I'm biased, of course,” he said, than I can even know; many, I'm an alumnus himself, “but I think it’s sure, will continue to reveal themgood for you to go there. You have selves as my journey as a pastor coneverything right there: a fullness, a tinues. community, a monastery, and a bishop; it'll be good for you.” His Eminence often made the trip to St. Tikhon's for the Memorial It was good for me. Vladyka Day Pilgrimage. His absence this often reminded me that this experi- year will certainly be felt. We who ence would pass by very quickly, and have been shepherded by him in our before I knew it I would be serving a years at seminary will miss his presparish. As the years at seminary ence at the Pilgrimage. We will miss passed, the occasional conversations the opportunity to speak with him, with Vladyka, while often brief, came to have him inform us of the exact to be greatly treasured. There was number of years, months and days always a word I needed to hear. until his retirement, which he was fond of doing. But there is a joyful Vladyka visited St. Tikhon's sadness, knowing that this faithful every semester. He treated all of his servant of Christ has received rest, as seminarians, their families, and pret- we continue to pray for his blessed ty much whomever else wanted to repose among the Saints. And we come along, to dinner, conversation, can be joyful that we were blessed and usually some great stories from with his guidance, care, and example his seminary years. His sense of through our years of formation. May humor, together with his real interest Vladyka's Memory Be Eternal! in and dedication to us and our fam-
ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PREPARES TO WELCOME NEW DEAN: The Very Rev. Dr. Alexander Atty
E
ven as we prepare to bid farewell to our beloved Dean of nine years, Bishop MICHAEL, we look forward to welcoming our new Dean, V. Rev. Dr. Alexander Atty, this July. Father Alexander Atty is a well loved member of the St. Tikhon’s Seminary family, having contributed to the life of the Seminary as a member of our Board of Trustees and in myriad other ways. Although Fr. Alexander has made his home in Louisville, Kentucky for the past 30 years, pastoring St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian Church, he is a Pennsylvania native. As a child he lived the “unity of faith and diversity in practice” that now characterize his ministry. Baptized and formed in the faith for his first 14 years in St. Mary’s Antiochian Church in Johnstown, Pa., he learned Slavic expressions of Orthodoxy when his family moved to Pottsville, Pa., joining St. Michael Russian Orthodox Church in the town of St. Clair.
Father Alexander graduated from Penn State University and Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science with a Bachelor’s Degree in business and a minor in textile engineering. He worked as an engineer for three years before entering St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood, N.Y., where he graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1979. After a summer spent both at the Balamand Seminary and Monastery in Lebanon and on pilgrimage to Mount Athos, he “made the best decision of [his]
life” and married Olga Nehrebecki in October, 1979. His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP quickly ordained the newly married Alexander to the Holy Diaconate and Priesthood. graduated with a Doctor of Ministry In May, 1980, Fr. Alexander was degree from Pittsburgh Theological assigned to St. Michael the Archangel Seminary. Church, in Louisville, Ky. He immediately began a vigorous agenda of His love of theological education parish growth – growth in numbers; has extended to St. Tikhon’s, which in spiritual life; in physical facilities; has been the beneficiary of his zeal in education and ministry to its and generosity for years. Like his whole membership, from the predecessor, Bishop Michael, Fr. youngest to the oldest; growth in Alexander works “in the trenches.” evangelism, charity, and outreach. He has personally led teams from And God has bountifully blessed Louisville to South Canaan to those efforts: St. Michael’s has grown improve the Seminary’s physical and from under 300 to nearly 1,000 technological facilities. Last summer, members; they have attracted hun- Father could be found one moment dreds of converts; they have opened a in work clothes wielding a paintchapel, an educational complex, a brush in a classroom, and the next senior living facility, and a home for moment in his robes and cross, delibpersons with special needs. Services erating in the boardroom. Truly he is are celebrated every day. Parishioners a shepherd who leads from among his minister to the general public flock, not above them. through health fairs and a soup kitchen; and Fr. Alexander himself Firm father; loving counselor; serves the Louisville law enforcement servant leader; man of constant community as a chaplain. prayer – these are the characteristics that the Lord has nurtured in Fr. Father Alexander maintains plen- Alexander, and it is these same attribtiful educational opportunities – and utes that, with God’s help, he will high expectations – for the souls impart to the next generation of under his care. Pre-marriage retreats future pastors and Church leaders are mandatory for couples, as are spe- whose formation he will oversee as cial seminars for the Parish Council. Dean of the Seminary. The annual two-day St. Michael’s Institute has flourished under his May God abundantly bless the direction, and Khouria Olga leads ministry and leadership of Father yearly choir workshops. Father Alexander – and may He grant Alexander’s expectations of himself Archpriest Alexander and his family are no less stringent: in 2008, he many blessed years! 57
St. Tikhon’s 2009-2010 Timeline Fall/Spring School Year Highlights, August 2009 – May 2010 August 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Students arrive at the Seminary September 2 . . . . . . . . . . . Returning Students arrive at the Seminary September 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orientation for New Students September 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Labor Day – No Classes September 8 . . . .Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos – No Classes September 8 . . . . .Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Deacon Jason Franchak, by His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church September 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Classes begin September 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alumni Association Picnic for Seminarians and Families
October 6 . . . . . . . . . . .39th Annual Adult Education Lecture Series continues: “Orthodox Thinking on Other Religions” by Very Rev. John Garvey October 13 . . . . . . . . . .39th Annual Adult Education Lecture Series concludes: “Christianity and Islam” by Archimandrite Daniel Byantoro October 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Archdeacon Nicholas (Terenta) by His Beatitude, Metropolitan VOLODYMYR of Kiev and All Ukraine, at St. Elijah Monastery in Odessa, Ukraine October 19-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mid Term Examinations October 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wives’ Fall Evening Education Series begins: “Modern Spirituality” by Very Rev. Dan Kovalak
September 12-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mission Choir sings at Holy Assumption Church, Central City, PA
October 24 . . . . . . . . .Tonsuring to Riasophor Monk of Bishop-Elect Michael by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church
September 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross – No Classes
October 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Igumen Sergius elected Abbot of St. Tikhon’s Monastery
September 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wives’ Kick-off: Meet the Faculty
October 25 . . . .Ordination to Diaconate of Sem. Thaddaeus Werner, by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church
September 19-20 . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at St. Nicholas Church, Auburn, NY September 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Michael Dahulich elected Bishop of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey September 22 . . . . . . . . 39th Annual Adult Education Lecture Series begins: “Christ the Eternal Tao” by Hieromonk Damascene from St. Herman’s Monastery in Platina, CA September 27 . . . . . . . . .Vesting of Fr. Nilus Lerro, by His Beatitude, Metroplitan JONAH, at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, New York, NY
October 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Presentation on International Orthodox Christian Charities by Nicholas Chakos, Development Officer for IOCC October 31 . . . . . . . . . . Orthodox Christian Education Commission Workshop for Students and Wives November 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . Presentation on Martha and Mary House by Sara Elizabeth Oftedal, Founder of Martha and Mary House in San Diego, CA November 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feast of St. Michael the Archangel
September 27 . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, New York, NY
November 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4th Annual St. Michael’s Talent Show and Potluck Dinner
September 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wives’ Guest Lecture: Fr. John and Mat. Eugenia Nehrebecki
November 12 . . . . . . . Presentation on Missionary Work in Tanzania by Dr. Harry and Michael Boosalis
September 29 . . . . . . . . 39th Annual Adult Education Lecture Series continues: “Honoring a Shared Heritage” by Fr. Moses Berry, Pastor of Unexpected Joy Mission in Ash Grove, MO
November 16-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ATS Evaluation Team makes Site Visit to St. Tikhon’s Seminary
October 1 . . . . . . . . . .“Softener of Evil Hearts” Icon visits Monastery
58
November 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wives’ Fall Evening Education Series continues: “The Theology of Theosis” by Dr. Harry Boosalis
November 21 . . . . . . Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple – No Classes December 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FOCA Delivers Christmas Gifts for Seminarians and Families December 6 . . . . . . . . . .Mission Choir sings at St. Nicholas Church, Philadelphia, PA December 6 . . . . . .St. Nicholas Reception for Seminary Community December 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feast of St. Herman of Alaska December 13 . . . . . . . St. Tikhon’s Church School Christmas Pageant
February 20 . . . . . .Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Deacon George Mathew by His Grace, Auxiliary Metropolitan Zachariah Mar NICHOLOVOS at St. Mary’s Bethlehem Church, in Thottakadu, Kerala, India February 20-21 . . . . . . . .Mission Choir sings at St. Nicholas Church, Cohoes, NY February 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .Mission Choir sings at St. Sophia Church, Albany, NY February 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Diaconate of Monk Andrew Wermuth, by His Grace, Bishop MAXIM (Serbian Orthodox Church) at St. Andrew’s Church, Redding, CA
December 14-18 . . . . . . . Final Examinations; Nativity Break Begins January 17 . . . . . . . . . . . Ordination to the Diaconate of Seminarian Mark Lichtenstein by His Eminence, Metropolitan MAXIMOS (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), at St. Anthony Church in Clairton, PA January 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opening of 2010 Spring Semester January 22 . . . . . . . .Seminarians March for Life in Washington, DC January 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Abbot Sergius Installed by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church January 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Deacon Thaddaeus Werner by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church January 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Deacon Christopher Maciolek by His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church January 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marriage Retreat at St. Tikhon’s Seminary led by the Very Rev. John Breck, Th.D., Professor of Biblical Exegesis and Patristics, St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris February 2 . . . . . . . . . . . Ordination to the Diaconate of Seminarian Patrick Smith by His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church February 5 . . . . . . . Spring Meeting of the Orthodox Inter-Seminary Movement (OISM), held at St. Tikhon’s Seminary
February 28 . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at Holy Trinity Church, Yonkers, NY March 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midterm Examinations March 2 . . . . . . . . . . .Metropolitan HILARION and ROCOR clergy visit St. Tikhon’s Monastery March 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Greek Ministry of Education grants St. Tikhon’s Seminary equal standing with Greek and EU Schools of Theology March 6 . . . . . . . . Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Deacon Mark Lichtenstein by His Eminence, Metropolitan MAXIMOS, (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese) at St. Gregory Palamas Monastery Church, Perrysville, OH March 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at St. Andrew Church, Maple Heights, OH March 9 . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Minersville, PA March 14 . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at Christ the Saviour Church, Paramus, NJ March 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mission Choir sings at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church, Clifton, NJ March 20-21 . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Allison Park, PA March 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feast of the Annunciation – No Classes
February 6-7 . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at St. Stephen Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA February 13 . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at Holy Apostles Mission, Mechanicsburg, PA
March 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Subdiaconate of Seminarian Zachariah (Diju) Skariah by His Grace, Metropolitan Alexios Mar EUSEBIUS, at St. Gregorios Cathedral, Bellwood, IL
February 14 . . . . .Mission Choir sings at Christ the Saviour Church, Harrisburg, PA
March 27-28 . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at St. Andrew Church, Baltimore, MD
February 14 . . . . . . . . . .Forgiveness Vespers: Beginning of Great Lent
March 29-April 3 . . . . Passion Week: Seminary Retreat – No Classes
February 15-19 . . .First Week of Lent: Seminary Retreat – No Classes
59
March 31 . . . . . . . . Ordination to the Holy Diaconate of Seminarian Thomas Langdon by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church
May 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Holy Diaconate of Seminarian Thaddeus Franta by His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL, at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City, NJ
April 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holy Pascha April 5-April 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bright Week: No Classes April 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Holy Diaconate of Seminarian Jacob (Jake) Kurian by His Grace, Metropolitan Alexios Mar EUSEBIUS, at St. Thomas Church, Houston, TX
May 8 . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City, NJ May 9 . . . . . . . . . . .Enthronement of His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, New York, NY
April 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Holy Diaconate of Seminarian Zachariah Lynch by His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church
May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ordination to the Holy Diaconate of Seminary Graduate John Diamantis by His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL, at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, New York, NY
April 17 . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Burr Ridge, IL
May 9 . . . . Mission Choir sings at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, New York, NY
April 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at St. Joseph Church, Wheaton, IL
May 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feast of the Ascension – No Classes
April 24-25 . . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at St. Nicholas Church, Hamilton, Ontario, CN
May 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Deacon Gregory Thompson by His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Church
May 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mission Choir sings at Holy Trinity Church, Randolph, NJ
May 16 . . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at Holy Ascension Church, Frackville, PA
May 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consecration to the Episcopacy of Archimandrite Michael (Dahulich), at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City, NJ
May 22-23 . . . . . . . . . . Mission Choir sings at St. Nicholas Church, Pittsfield, MA May 24-28 . . . . Work Week – Preparation for the Annual Pilgrimage
May 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ordination to the Priesthood of Reverend Deacon Danial Doss by His Grace, Bishop MICHAEL, at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City, NJ
May 28-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106th Annual Memorial Day Pilgrimage at St. Tikhon’s Monastery May 29 . . . . . . . . . . . .68th Commencement at St.Tikhon’s Seminary
“With God, all things are possible.” 60
S AINT T IKHON’S
O RTHODOX THEOLOGICAL S EMINARY
2009-2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
S T O T S
67th Seminary Commencement
A RECORD GRADUATING CLASS was honored at the 67th Commencement: 15 received M. Div. degrees; 2, B.A. in Theology degrees; 3, Priestly Formation Certificates; and 6, Certificates in Diaconal Formation. Offering the Commencement Address was His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, President of the Seminary. Other hierarchs present included: His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, Rector; His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate; and His Grace, Zachariah Mar NICHOLOVOS, Auxiliary Metropolitan of the Indian Orthodox Church.
62
Saint Tikhon’ s Summer Camp 2009
63
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
Celebrating the theme “Sacred Vessels” with divine services, religious education, arts and crafts classes, and fellowship, more than 160 campers and staff members enjoyed a week of fun and friendship at this year’s annual St. Tikhon’s Summer Camp, held at the Seminary from July 5-11.
CLERGY Continuing Education Symposium
T
his year’s Clergy Continuing Education Symposium took place at St. Tikhon’s Seminary from June 16th through the 18th. The theme of this year’s gathering was “Issues in Canon Law.” The presenters were the Rev. Fr. Alexander Rentel, SEOD, who teaches Canon Law and Byzantine Studies at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, and the Very Rev. Archpriest Alexander Golubov, Ph.D., who teaches Canon Law and Pastoral Theology at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Together, they explored issues in the canons of importance for pastors in the Orthodox Church in this country in the 21st century. The symposium provided an excellent opportunity for continued enrichment and fresh perspective on the topic of canon law and the parish priest, as well as a forum for discussion, questions, and feedback in the context of a collegial gathering. The annual symposium continues to be an important and anticipated event among clergy in the diocese.
12TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefits St. Tikhon’s Seminary
Golfers from across the state enjoyed beautiful weather, 18 holes of golf, and a delicious banquet dinner, raising a full scholarship for a St. Tikhon’s seminarian.
64
A NEW LOOK: Seminary Renovations Summer 2009 Father Joel Weir
S
tudents and faculty stepping through the doors of St. Tikhon’s to begin the fall semester were greeted with the sight of many welcome changes within the Seminary building. The newly installed carpeting, painted walls, and renovated rooms were the fruit of the labor of many generous volunteers who invested time and resources over the summer to improve and beautify the Seminary they support. The results of the excellent, high-quality work of clergy and laypeople from several different parishes across the country helped to kick off the beginning of another academic year at St. Tikhon’s, and demonstrated widespread commitment to the future growth of the Seminary.
whiteboards and desks for the newly port of the education and training of future pastors of the Church, that renovated classrooms. made the work completed over the While the various parishes and summer such a witness to Christian individuals contributed their specific generosity. The Seminary community parts to the improvement and beauti- expresses our deepest gratitude to all fying of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, it was who volunteered time and treasure the spirit of cooperation and shared this past summer in support of purpose, the sacrifices made in sup- St. Tikhon’s. 65
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
Father Alexander Atty brought a group from his parish, St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, in Louisville, Kentucky. His crew remodeled several classrooms, greatly improving the space for weekly classes, guest lecturers, and seminars. George and Elaine Heider of Johnstown, Pennsylvania headed up a beautiful remodeling of the Seminary board room. Fr. Ted Boback, along with many faithful from St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church in Baltimore, Maryland, laid new carpeting and painted the hallways in the Seminary building. Fr. Joseph Martin, from Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. generously donated the paint. Paul Chernay and George Nakonetschny donated the supplies needed for the remodeling of several bathrooms in the Seminary. The brotherhood of St. Tikhon’s Monastery purchased new
Redefining “Formation”
L
ike most people, I have expectations for almost everything: from what I eat (I’m Italian so this is a big one), to how long it’s going to take me to drive someplace, to what I expect out of life in general. However, I realized as I began my experience as a seminary student that I had surprisingly few clear expectations for what the first week – let alone the three years – at St. Tikhon’s would be like. I am not sure why this was. Maybe I was too busy getting here. It may also have been because I had no previous experiences in life that could compare with St. Tikhon’s. I’ve spent time in a monastery and I attended a Christian college, but I couldn’t visualize what this integration of both of those experiences would look like; so I arrived at St. Tikhon’s without clear expectations. That being the case, the most significant aspect of my first week experience was hearing the unified message of what to expect as a seminary student. In the orientation and retreat, the talks and tours, worship and interaction, everyone and everything seemed to be saying that we will be challenged intellectually with the academics and relationally with being part of the community. We will have the opportunity to use our studies and relationships as vehicles to grow ever closer to Christ and develop a truer knowledge of repentance and of ourselves.
66
However, within all those various messages and interactions, I also heard a very clear warning. Although the opportunity to grow, to repent, to advance in humility, will be continually offered, no one will make us take it. So, it is obviously possible (maybe even easy) to choose not to submit ourselves to the Seminary experience. If we make this choice, its result will be that we gain the opposite of repentance – pride. We may at best gain only a piece of paper and a nice black robe to show for the years of hard work. As I said, the message was clear from the beginning. I was struck the first day of orientation in particular by the prominence of “formation” in the talks. I had associated “formation” with “foundation”: something basic that you build upon or move up from. And while this is partly true, I nonetheless had an incomplete – and inadequate – view of formation. What I took away from that first morning I hope I will carry with me not only throughout my time at St. Tikhon’s, but throughout my life. Formation is not something that is completed and left behind; rather, formation is the ongoing maturing process. In fact, it seems to me that formation is the process of maturation. In that sense, formation is sanctification. This is also what I heard Fr. Michael, the Dean; and Fr. Nilus, Director of Student Affairs; say to us. We are
Impressions of a New Seminarian Seminarian Nick Aiello
here to grow spiritually while attaining the knowledge of Scripture, theology, history and liturgics that we’ll need as pastors and lay leaders. The classroom experience is essential, but at the same time it is subordinated to the life of worship and to our participation in this community. In light of this understanding of “formation,” I was struck by Fr. Alexander Golubov’s discussion on the second day of orientation. He spoke of the spiritual role that silence needs to play in Christian academic formation. We must be able to hear God – to experience Him – in the silence in order to interpret and understand the words within the silence. He gestured to the writing on a nearby chalkboard to show the necessity of the blackboard as a background for the writing. Just as the writing in most cases takes up exponentially less space than the background of the blackboard, the presence of God in our lives, in the silence, must be the background and medium in which we receive positive knowledge – the writing. And his warning was equally clear and explicit: if you don’t make the relationship with God the basis, background and medium of your studies, how will you interpret and apply the words you will hear? It was another very sobering talk.
insisted, is a battle that never ends – and thus, we must also see ourselves as warriors. Fr. Alexander Atty in particular struck me very profoundly as a veteran of this war. He portrayed the parish priest as a kind of warrior chieftain who must embody “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” always leading the way, speaking the truth and living the life. The priest must be “no respecter of persons” (Romans 2:11), as our supreme commander, Christ, is no respecter of persons. And yet this warrior must also be a shepherd, “nudging rather than pushing or forcing his flock” – a task that is easier if we remember that it’s God’s calling through the Holy Spirit that we are responding to; and it’s His work and His people – we’re just vessels and caretakers, called to purify ourselves from the notions of “I, me, my, and mine” and remain open to His formation working within us.
67
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
Concluding and solidifying the message of formation, Fr. Jason provided several examples of how God Fr. Nicodemus’ tour of the Monastery Church, forms us throughout our lives – if we let Him. And he museum and icon repository later that afternoon was a joined all the other speakers in referring to the kind of object lesson to the messages we had been hear- Seminary as a “school of repentance.” ing from the beginning. Seeing the physical evidence of deification, particularly the many relics of the Saints In the final talk of our orientation week, Bishop which reside here, reinforced for me not only the reali- Tikhon referred to the formation experience as the ty of the sanctity of this place but the tangible result of “uncreated light we perceive and accept.” I found it allowing God to form us: deification. enormously helpful that he not only affirmed the need for us to develop “will-cutting obedience,” but he also The talks by Fr. Jason DelVitto and Fr. Alexander defined (and in my case corrected) what such obedience Atty the next day were a clear demonstration of this looks like – that it is less a discipline than a sacrament; truth from the perspectives of the parish and the priest- that it is not an exercise preparing for something - it is ly ministry. Everything they said reinforced the message the something. God is in it, and in that sense it too is that the extent to which we allow God to work forma- Fr. Alexander’s chalkboard. Formation is a process tion in us is the extent to which we will have an authen- which God has given us the opportunity to embrace in tic priesthood. And that authentic priesthood, they a special way, in this special place.
Alumni Association Picnic
Each year during the second week of classes, members of the St. Tikhon’s Alumni Association host a cook-out for new and returning students and their families. Highlighting this year’s event were the Church School students performing songs from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
68
39th Adult Lecture Series “Christ’s Holy Church and Her Mission to the World” September 22 “CHRIST THE ETERNAL TAO” Hieromonk Damascene St. Herman’s Monastery, Platina, California September 29 “HONORING A SHARED HERITAGE” Rev. Moses Berry Pastor, Theotokos Unexpected Joy” Mission, Ash Grove, Missouri October 6 “ORTHODOX THINKING ON OTHER RELIGIONS” Very Rev. John Garvey Attached Priest at Holy Trinity Church, East Meadow, New York October 13 “ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY” Archimandrite Daniel Byantoro Dean at Holy Trinity Church, Solo, Central Java, Indonesia
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
69
Founder’s Day and Hospitality a la Russe
Two major events bookmarked this academic year. On Founder’s Day, Sunday, October 11, supporters of the Seminary gathered from across the northeast. The presidents of the Century Association and the Society of the Friends of St. Tikhon’s presented sizeable contributions to Bishop Tikhon. On Sunday, April 25, the Century Association sponsored its first “Hospitality a la Russe,” an ethnic dinner and balalaika concert in Bethlehem.
70
Forming Our Children in the Faith: OCEC Visits the Seminary Deacon Zachariah Lynch
T
oday, possibly more than ever, there is a great need for the education of our children in the Faith. This challenge cannot be understated. Every priest should be equipped to help instill in children a firm Christian world view, one that is strong enough to withstand the assault of secular life.
The struggle for living a true Christian life starts in childhood. Therefore a firm foundation in the Orthodox Christian faith from an early age is vital. We are grateful for the work of OCEC, both in providing the materials for Orthodox educators to use throughout the Church year, and for their sacrifice of time and talent to share their wisdom with us at St. Tikhon’s.
To this end on Saturday, October 31, 2009, representatives from the Orthodox Christian Education Commission (OCEC) came to St. Tikhon's Seminary and held a one-day Church School training program. Here seminarians and their wives were given a brief overview of possible methods to use for teaching in a Parish Sunday School setting as presented by Mat. Myra Kovalak, Fr. George & Kh. Carol Alberts, and Kh. Sarah Hughes.
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
The course was broken down into three parts: “Overview of Orthodoxy,” “Introduction to Teaching,” and “Curriculum and Resources.” Various approaches to outlining lessons were presented in an interactive atmosphere. Seminarians and their wives were also informed about the growing amount of Orthodox resources available both on the internet and in print. An array of Church school calendar and newsletter example templates was provided to stimulate ideas. OCEC had an outstanding exhibit of the growing multitude of Orthodox children's books. The array of children's books on many of the Saints was wonderful to see. In these stories children are given real life examples of those who have lived the faith. 71
SEMINARY RECEIVES RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION Tikhonaire Staff
F
ive years ago St. Tikhon’s Seminary achieved accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), a membership organization of more than 250 graduate schools in the United States and Canada. This important distinction was a significant milestone in the history of the Seminary, granting it greater status and an enhanced collegial relationship with theological schools nationally. In 2010, St. Tikhon’s was eligible for renewal of accreditation, which entailed a process of Self-Study as well as a visit from an ATS Site Evaluation Team. The process of Self-Study, which began in earnest over a year in advance of the ATS visit, and involved countless hours of work on the part of the administration, faculty, and student volunteers, provided a unique opportunity to examine and assess the goals, procedures, and outcomes of the years since the prior evaluation. More simply, it was a chance to “look in the mirror,” to see who we were, who we are, and who we wish to become. The team assembled to do this important work of examination and assessment was led by Academic Dean, V. Rev. Alexander
72
Golubov, Chair of the Self-Study, and Seminary Dean, V. Rev. Michael G. Dahulich (now Bishop MICHAEL), Editor of the Self-Study. The Steering Committee consisted of Prof. Sergei D. Arhipov, Librarian and Registrar, and Michael G. Herzak, member of the Board of Trustees in addition to the two Deans. In order to address the many different and dynamic concerns and perspectives within the St. Tikhon’s Seminary community, Review Subcommittees were established. The Review Subcommittees were charged with gathering information, interpreting data, and providing recommendations within their assigned areas. The four major areas of study were Institutional Process, Theological Discourse, Formation and Curriculum, and Students and Alumni. Members of the Self-Study team who contributed to the Review Committees were: Prof. Sergei Arhipov, V. Rev. Theodore Boback, Dr. Harry Boosalis, Rev. Martin Browne, Rev. David Cowan, Tamara Cowan, V. Rev. Michael Dahulich, V. Rev. Joseph Gallick, V. Rev. Alexander Golubov, Patrick Henre, Michael Herzak, V. Rev. David Hester, Sarah Jubinski, V. Rev. John Kowalczyk, Rev. Nilus Lerro, Deacon George Mathew, Rev. David Mezynski, Derek Aleksei Schmidt, V. Rev. David Shewczyk, Deacon Alexander Vallens, Dr. Christopher Veniamin, Rev. Joel
Weir, and Rev. Kyrill Williams. On November 16-19, 2009, St. Tikhon’s hosted a collegial visit from ATS Site Evaluation Team, consisting of Msgr. Stephen Bosso (St. Vincent DePaul Seminary), chair; Seymour House (Mt. Angel Seminary); Timothy D. Lincoln (Austin Presbyterian Seminary); and Tisa Lewis, ATS staff. Upon completion of their on-site evaluation, the team shared its perspectives on both the strengths and weaknesses of the Seminary, gleaned from the SelfStudy report and their cordial and frank discussions with the various Seminary constituencies. The team also shared their findings and recommendations to the ATS Board of Commissioners with the alumni, staff, faculty, administration and trustees who were present. On Friday, March 19, 2010, at a Town Hall meeting for the St. Tikhon’s community, His Grace, Bishop TIKHON announced that the Board of Trustees had received the final determination from the Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) concerning the Seminary’s application for accreditation renewal. He officially announced that ATS accreditation for St Tikhon’s Seminary has been renewed for a period of 5 years and offered his thanks to all in the Seminary community who had labored diligently in the Self-Study process.
Fr. John Breck Leads Married Students in Retreat Deacon Joseph and Diaconeasa Irina Lucas
O
role. Parents must learn to say “I’m sorry,” humbling themselves before their children when a significant mistake is made. We must treat our children with respect and “infinite compassion” in order to lead them to salvation.
n Saturday, January 30, married students and their wives participated in a daylong marriage retreat led by the Very Reverend John Breck, Th.D. Father John is currently Professor of Biblical Exegesis and Patristics at the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris, France, and Director of the St. Silouan Retreat Center in South Carolina.
The first portion of the retreat examined factors that contribute to crises in clergy families, especially between spouses. Father John dispelled the common myth that the needs of the priest’s family are necessarily secondary to those of the parish, affirming that a priest’s family members are actually members of the parish as well. The stability of the clergy family is paramount if the priest is to properly minister to his people; thus, it is imperative to strike a balance between family life and parish work. Father John then provided practical suggestions for establishing and preserving this balance.
Another interesting area of discussion was the effect of parish ministry upon the children of the clergy. Usually, these children are struggling to maintain a certain level of normalcy as they relate to their peers. They may view church attendance and participation in parish events as an imposition, and pushing children too hard to become active in the parish may distance them from their parents. In addition, the children see their priest father in a different light than parishioners do – all of his shortcomings and mistakes are revealed in daily family life. Father John reminded the students that the child of a clergy member must have another adult in his or her life who gives a strong example of a living faith; ideally, the godparent or godparents would fulfill this
The second session of the retreat focused upon bioethical issues that face Orthodox Christians. Topics discussed included contraception, abortion, in-vitro fertilization, assisted suicide and stem-cell research. Father John concluded the retreat with an open question-and-answer forum. Fr. John’s matter of fact style and wellresearched insights into these critical issues provided us with beneficial skills for strengthening clergy marriages and families. We are grateful to him for this gift of his time and considerable talents – for us, most certainly it was time well spent.
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
Speaking specifically to the students’ wives, Father John addressed the role of the priest’s wife in both the family and the parish. Unlike her husband, the matushka does not receive extensive, formal training in her aspect of the shared ministry. Often, a year or more into her husband’s priesthood, the matushka realizes that parish life is not what she expected. Thus it is essential, stressed Father John, that she be supported by her husband, family and friends. At the same time, he emphasized that, for the married
priest, all ministry is a “double ministry.” Although the matushka should not be pressured to accept jobs within the parish which infringe upon the needs of her family, she should nevertheless support her husband by providing stability at home. Working as a team, the priest and his wife can learn to attain that balance of parish and family life.
Wrapping up the first segment of the retreat, Father John addressed various crises that afflict clergy families in America. Spouses must be completely open with one another, tackling every problem together, if they hope to preserve stability. When the priest (or his wife) falls, he (or she) needs to ask forgiveness. Father John then dealt with more destructive issues, such as addictions, abuse and psychological conditions. Any problem that affects one family member affects the entire family, and by extension the parish. Through God’s grace, with the full support of the spouse and family, and with professional help where necessary, healing is possible.
Growing in Faith:
St. Tikhon’s Church School Activities, 2009-2010 Rebekah Markewich & Mat. Tamara Cowan
T
Dreamcoat … well, not all of it, but a good portion! Our theme for the week was “A Story for Life!" with daily lessons on the Old Testament story of Joseph taught by our Dean, Father (now Bishop) Michael. These lessons focused on 12 themes (like the 12 tribes) found in the story of Joseph: sibling rivalry, boasting, jealousy, greed, deceit, betrayal, temptation, despair, During the week of August patience, faith, repentance, and 10, over 40 children, together forgiveness. with 20 seminarians and their wives, participated in our 4th When not in lessons, the annual Vacation Church School children, aged 4-16, learned and for Seminary Families. Because we rehearsed a vignette version of the had an unprecedented number of musical, as well as making their own musically talented 10-16 year old sets and costumes. The Seminary’s students, we tried to do something iconography instructor, Ivan really different this year—a musical! Rumiantsev, even instructed us in the We put on the Broadway show, painting of a backdrop for our perJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor formance and we were accompanied his Church School year was the end of an era for our program – our pastor and sponsor of so many wonderful Church School memories, Bishop MICHAEL, is leaving. It is fitting, then, that this Church School year was highlighted by so many wonderful performances inspired by him and given in his honor.
74
by our own “pit orchestra” of talented seminarian musicians. After working up a sweat in “grueling” rehearsals, each day would end with fun swimming at the pool. At the end of the week, we invited our parents to the show and energetically performed for them, experiencing such unexpected fun! It was so successful, that Fr. Michael wanted to send us on tour with the Mission Choir! We couldn’t do that; but we did accept the invitation to perform at the Alumni Association’s Welcome Back Picnic in September for an audience of over 200. The Vacation Church School week culminated with the children enjoying the “Wacky Olympics” funfilled obstacle course, as well as a generously sponsored trip to
Dorney Amusement Park for the whole group. The entire event was such a blessing of fun and fellowship, and it also provided an “icebreaker” welcome event for all the new families at the Seminary. Throughout the rest of the year, classes are held in five groups: toddlers, 5-7 year olds, 8-10 year olds, and junior / senior high groups with younger classes meeting on Saturday evenings and older classes meeting after Sunday Liturgy during coffee hour. Seminarians and wives alike have a chance to “get their feet wet” as Church School teachers within our community of over 50 children.
Schools past, so that he will never forget us! We offer special thanks to our teachers who cheerfully sacrifice their time for the formation of our children, and dedicate this wonderful year of “great performances” to our beloved Bishop Michael, as we sing in closing: Bishop Michael had a school, E-I-E-I-O And at his school was lots of love, E-I-E-I-O With patience here, and kindness there, Generosity everywhere Bishop Michael, we thank you, and we love you so!
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
collection of heartfelt pleas to God from characters in all walks of life stuck on a bus during a Christmas Eve storm. The program closed with the younger children adorably performing the Nativity Story. We even had a visit from St. Lucia on her feast day, as we enjoyed fellowship and a potluck luncheon. The annual outing to “Disney on Ice” in January was loved by all and served There have been many treas- as a celebratory “cast party” for this ured whimsical moments. One such successful work! moment was during a lesson about In the Spring, we embarked why we fast during Great Lent. A teacher, who was trying to explain on a field trip “across town” to All that we sacrifice food and other Saints Church in Olyphant, where activities to show our love for God, Ivan, the Seminary’s iconography asked the class, “What do we sacri- instructor, has been working on a fice?” A young child raised his hand. masterpiece! Following the Liturgy “Yes?” asked the teacher. With a lit- and a special coffee hour graciously tle voice he replied, “A sheep?!” sponsored by the All Saints Church Amused with this reply the teacher School families, the children got to explained that Jesus was the Lamb, see Ivan’s incredible handiwork up so we do not do that since the close as he and Fr. David Cowan, Resurrection. So, another child Rector of All Saints, explained the queried, “A cow?!” Mildly concerned process of iconographing an entire that the children were not under- church. standing, the teacher explained why Our year ended in excitewe do not sacrifice any animals anymore. Reasonably, another child ment, as we ventured to New Jersey innocently responded with the next and New York to attend the consebest option: “Plants and vegetables?” cration of our beloved Fr. Michael, as a bishop. Upon returning home Our Nativity Pageant was from this once in a lifetime event, we also unique this year with the older performed for him at a Seminary children performing an original play Family Dinner in his honor on by our very own faculty member, Fr. Ascension Day, May 13, with an Dan Kovalak. Entitled, “The audience of over 250. We sang his Christmas Bus”, this play is a spunky favorites from Vacation Church
75
St. Michael’s Day Talent Show Seminarian Joel Wilson
I
n early November St. Tikhon’s hosted its annual St. Michael’s Day Talent Show. It was an entertaining and enjoyable night for all. The evening started off with fellowship and general amusement over the children’s various costumes. Sticking to the “lighter side,” the costumes ranged from medieval princesses and ballerina butterflies to Buzz Lightyear and swashbuckling pirates. A potluck dinner proAfter the meal the performvided by all of the families displaying Seminarian Paul a wide variety of foods and flavors ances began. Abernathy exhibited a great talent was enjoyed. for public speaking as the M.C. for the night, introducing each act with jokes and an enthusiastic stage presence. The children showcased their wide-ranging talents of singing, playing the piano, violin, guitar and kazoo, and reciting poems, some of which they even wrote themselves! There were family duets and trios, and to bring the performances to a close the teenage girls sang together as a group. The ages of the children participating in the talent show 76
ranged from toddler to teen, providing a varied collection of entertainment that was both humorous and impressive. Having celebrated St. Michael’s Day, the Dean, Fr. Michael Dahulich closed the evening in gratitude for everyone’s participation. Because the children were such a joyful reminder of God’s goodness and love, Fr. Michael encouraged a pledge from the seminarian families to continue this tradition in the years to come. Everyone unanimously agreed.
St. Nicholas Day Party
77
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
Each year, the nearly 70 children of Seminary students enjoy the traditional visit of “St. Nicholas” and the distribution of his gifts of love.
Christmas Play
This year’s Nativity pageant featured the older children performing an original play written by Fr. Dan Kovalak, “The Christmas Bus,” a collection of pleas to God from characters stuck on a bus during a Christmas Eve storm. The younger children presented the Nativity Story.
78
Indian Orthodox Students Continue to Thrive at St. Tikhon’s Deacon Zachariah (Diju) Skariah
I
t was another blessed year for the Indian Orthodox Students at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. Just a year ago, Dn. George Mathew, Dn. Christopher Mathew and Dn. Abey George completed the Master of Divinity program. Dn. George Mathew was ordained to the priesthood on February 22, 2010 at his home parish, St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Thottakadu, Kerala, India. As of May 1, 2010, Fr. George Mathew has been appointed as the Vicar of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Northern Virginia. Following graduation, Dn. Christopher Mathew completed a six month liturgical training program at Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kottayam, Kerala, India. Dn. Abey George is currently enrolled in a 2-year chaplain residency program at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in New York.
Throughout the year, we were blessed to have numerous visits from our Fathers and Brothers in the Indian Orthodox Church. Visitors to the seminary throughout the year have included Metropolitan NICHOLOVOS, the Assistant Metropolitan of the Diocese of Northeast America, Fr. Andrew Daniel, Fr. Mathew Alexander, Fr. Abraham Chacko, Dn. Philip Mathew, Dn. Sujit Thomas, Dn. Gheevarghese George, Dn. Abey George, and Pre-Seminarian Shinto David. His Grace Alexios Mar EUSEBIUS, Metropolitan of the newly-formed Diocese of SouthWest America is expected to make his first visit to St. Tikhon’s Seminary for the 2010 Graduation Ceremony.
We were also blessed with the ordinations of two of our brothers who will be graduating this year. His Grace Alexios Mar EUSEBIUS, Metropolitan of the Diocese of South-West America ordained Zachariah (Diju) Skariah to the Subdiaconate on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at St. Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral, Bellwood, Illinois and Jacob (Jake) Kurian to the Diaconate on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Houston, Texas. It is only appropriate to conclude by giving special thanks to our Dean, Bishop MICHAEL. It is bittersweet for us as we are joyous knowing that he has been called to the ministry of the Episcopacy, but saddened that he is stepping down as Dean of St. Tikhon’s. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all the love and care he has shown our Church and our students. He has led many of our retreats and conferences in America, and even travelled to India as a chief guest for the centennial celebrations of the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement last year. He is the reason many of us have chosen to come here to be formed as pastors for the Holy Church. We are truly thankful to His Grace for his role in our lives as a spiritual father, role model, mentor, teacher and friend. 79
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
This academic year we welcomed two new Indian Orthodox seminarians, Teji Abraham, and Abraham Philip to the Seminary community. This year, with the approval of our Diocesan Metropolitans, it has been a great blessing to have Fr. Philip C. Abraham serve as our teacher. A disciple of the great rubrics teacher H.G. Yuhanon Mar SEVERIOS, Fr. Philip has a deep love and passion for our liturgical prayers and services
which is evident in his life. His love for the liturgical services emanates in his teaching style as he is very thorough, patient, and prayerful. We have had the opportunity to study the Sacraments of Baptism, Marriage, Unction, and this year studied the Funeral Services. We were also blessed to have him celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Seminary on Sunday, October 18, 2009. Fr. Philip is a great example and inspiration for all aspiring priests, and we pray that God continues to use him to train the future ministers of the Church.
March Seminarian Andrew Stoiko
O
n the cold morning of Friday, January 22, 2010, faculty members, clergy and seminarians from St. Tikhon's and St. Vladimir’s Seminaries attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Each January, hundreds of thousands of “pro-life” marchers descend upon Washington D.C. to commemorate the victims of abortion who have died in the wake of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade in 1973 – a massive mobilization to protest the continuation of violence against the unborn.
A sea of marchers and participants holding banners, placards and signs for life stood listening to the panel of speakers on the main dais, which included congressmen, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, and Orthodox Christian leaders. Fr. John Kowalczyk, who organized the Seminary’s presence at the event along with Dr. David Ford, addressed the crowd with his heartfelt remarks proclaiming the Orthodox position on life. He intro80
Life 2010
duced His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, along with Archbishop NATHANIEL, Bishop TIKHON, Bishop BENJAMIN, Bishop MELCHISEDEK, and Bishop-elect Michael, who were also present on the podium. His Beatitude greeted the crowd with “Glory to Jesus Christ!” and encouraging the whole assembly to respond, “Glory forever!” – which they did, enthusiastically! The Metropolitan then gave a very pow-
erful speech concerning the Orthodox ethos and the sanctity of life. After the speakers had finished, the march commenced. With the Washington Monument on one side and Capitol Hill before all of the marchers in the distance, the Orthodox Christians for Life advanced along the Mall, carrying the familiar banner showing the icon of Jesus blessing the children, and singing hymns to the Lord and His
Mother. As the end of the march drew near, the Orthodox contingent slowed at a spot where a Panikhida was held, and “Memory Eternal” was sorrowfully sung.
news. Regardless of this lack of support from the media, the participants in this event brought love and hope with them as they marched, prayed, and sang.
National media was largely absent in covering this event. While there were some Christian news outlets and a smattering of secular media present, this protest of the travesty of abortion went underreported in comparison to economic matters, foreign policy and even sports broadcasts on that evening’s
As Orthodox Christians we must dedicate and rededicate ourselves continually, to work together, get involved, stay informed and pray ceaselessly for the cause of Orthodox Christians for Life. Information about the yearly march can be found at www.marchforlife.org. Orthodox Christians for Life has resources for
clergy and laity at www.oclife.org. Let us follow our Lord Jesus Christ, in remembrance of His Passion and His love for us on the Cross, as we labor in love for the defense of human life.
F i r s t We e k o f G r e a t L e n t
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, led the Seminary community on an edifying spiritual retreat through the first week of Great Lent. 81
ROCOR First Hierarch, Clergy Visit Seminarian Moses Ibrahim
O
n Tuesday, March 2, 2010, the delegates of the Eastern American Diocesan Retreat headed by His Eminence, Metropolitan HILARION of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad visited St. Tikhon’s Monastery. His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, His Grace, Bishop MELCHISEDEK, along with Abbot Sergius, the monastic brotherhood, clergy, faithful and students enthusiastically greeted His Eminence, who was joined by His Grace, GEORGE of Mayfield, and His Grace, JEROME of Manhattan. Abbot Sergius extended his regards to the First Hierarch and thanked for him for attending the widely anticipated visit to the Monastery. He went on to say how important it was that the two communities remain united, explaining that Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, did have its beginnings at St. Tikhon’s. The First Hierarch greeted all the 82
clergy, monastics, faithful and stu- the Monastery, the Icon Repository dents of St. Tikhon’s, giving them and the Museum. They then shared his blessing and his reassurance that lunch with Bishops Tikhon and by God’s grace dialogues between Melchisedek as well as 35 OCA the OCA and ROCOR will only get diocesan clergy, also on retreat. This better. Monk Nicodemus and Father meeting had a significant impact on John Perich both addressed His both communities in so many ways. Eminence and all the attending cler- It was wonderful to see the joy on all gy giving them a brief introduction the faces of the faithful who were of the history of St. Tikhon’s present on this memorable day. May Monastery as well as the Monastery this event form the foundation of a common future, a shared testimony Church itself. to the light of the Orthodox Faith His Eminence and the for the American peoples. attending clergy were given a tour of
H o l y We e k
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
83
Christ is Risen!
PASCHA 2010
Indeed, He is Risen!
Environmental Seminar Father Thaddeus Werner
O
An important part of the conference was the focus on the witness of Orthodox Christians. Dr. Elizabeth Theokritoff talked about how Orthodox Christians are responsible for living an ascetic lifestyle that shows the respect we have for creation. She taught that we must have a sense of awe as we live life and make choices, even in seemingly small things, that show how we care for all of creation.
n April 16th and 17th St. Tikhon’s Seminary hosted a conference on Orthodox Spiritual Life and the Environment. The conference featured three sessions, which showed how concern for the environment is something truly at the heart of Orthodoxy. But, as true as this may be the Orthodox understanding of the environment is often misunderstood in society and even by those in the Orthodox Church.
All of us were encouraged by Protodeacon Sergei Kapral, as he informed us on not only how active the Orthodox Church is in environmental issues, but how well respected our opinion is by the Protestant groups on the World Council of Churches. He also encouraged us to find ways to participate in our elections to inform our politicians of what we believe should be done in regards to our environment.
In the first session, Dr. Bruce Foltz demonstrated how important it is for us to understand and refer to the environment as creation. This is more than a terminology change, it is a matter of affecting a change of heart so that we understand that creation is something which is not to be worshipped or exploited, but is something which shows us the glory of our Creator.
The second session began with a monastic perspective as Igumen Sergius taught of the central role of creation in the monastic life. He showed how creation is frequently referenced in the services of the Church, particularly in Psalm 103 at the beginning of Vespers. When we truly understand the services we see the emphasis that is placed on the restoration of all creation
to its pre-fallen state. The goal of monasticism is the same as it is for all Christians, a return to God. This is carried out in an extreme way as the monastic life is “100% Gospel, 100% of the time.” Therefore, we can see the important role of monasticism in understanding our relationship with creation. Prof. Alfred Siewers taught us about how the early Irish Christian tradition saw the Divine taking action in the natural forces such as the wind. These occurrences took place more frequently in certain areas, called thin places. Thin places were areas where people felt closer to God and felt a cosmic engagement with Him. These locations would then be the ideal site for building a monastery or Church.
The conference concluded on Saturday, with a guided wilderness experience by Mr. Fred Krueger of the Orthodox Fellowship of the Transfiguration. The goal of the experience was to help Christians find a closer connection to Christ and understand creation as a teacher as St. Paul talks about in Romans 1:20. It was an encouraging conference that helped with our awareness of how faith and the environment are properly connected. The perspective gained was beautiful, and showed us all the need to be thankful for the gifts that God has given us, and how in thankfulness we offer them back to Him. We are all part of God’s creation and we must treat each other and our world with respect.
85
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick continued on that theme and challenged all in attendance to look at creation through a liturgical lens. In doing so we see that creation is something that we offer back to God. It is not just the clergy who do this, but the laity as well, as we are all part of the Royal Priesthood. Creation is not something we are to simply be stewards of, but something that is God’s. Therefore we must offer it back to God, just as we offer the other gifts that He has given us back to Him.
Growing Our Faith, Friendships and Families: Wives’ Activities Matushka Maria Weir seminar on Emergency Choir Directing Skills. Mat. Sarah Langdon expressed appreciation for the practical tips Fr. Sergius presented. “I never thought to use these,” she said of the simple tricks which ease wives’ fears if a parish calls for a last minute directing fill-in.
T
he arrival of seven babies and the expectation of many more punctuated the annual calendar of events for St. Tikhon’s wives, filling in the spaces with showers, meals and baptisms. The first baby arrived shortly after the annual Meet-and-Greet for Wives and Faculty on September 17. The mixer is an excellent opportunity to introduce the annual events, including the Wives Education Series. These courses are condensed for busy moms and professionals engaged in and excited about their husbands’ courses. This season’s series kicked off with Fr. Dan Kovalak, Pastoral Studies Lecturer and priest at Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Williamsport, Pa. His talk on modern spirituality began with the question: 30,000 denominations – which one is right? With his trademark wit and knowledge, he modeled how to engage a culture that embraces spirituality but will not commit to practices of faith. In spite of jobs, play groups, school events, pregnancy, toddlers 86
Formal events are educational, social and practical. From the annual and on-going OCEC training, social dinners, talks from visiting matushki, a lenten recipe exchange, and events for children and families. Bishop MICHAEL and Mat. Tamara Cowan work with wives to create a do-able schedule that fulfills the desire to learn, stay engaged and build community. With Mat. Tamara’s help, couples have childcare to attend the autumn Adult Lecture Series together, as well as enjoy the weekend Marriage Retreat.
and infants, the education lectures are well attended, often with a dozen or more wives, and a few jiggling wee ones on their hips. The series continued with Dr. Harry Boosalis’ presentation: “The Theology of Theosis.” In addition to the talk, Dr. Boosalis spoke about his summer OCMC trip to Tanzania with his son Michael. He returned in the Spring with a talk on “The Practice of Prayer,” challenging listeners to Involved in the Seminary cooklet prayer be authentic as well as outs, Church School events and disciplined. trips, as well as volunteering for Mission Service meals, coffee hours, “The times when you don’t want clothing and food pantry, women to do something spiritually are the have a chance to plug into the times when you need to do it the seminary community each week. most,” said one seminarian’s wife. Between these chances, women Like many of the wives, she antici- sustain connection through playpates the classes, but scurries to wrap groups, pysanky workshops, dinner up work and home demands to exchanges, cookouts, baby showers, attend. “I had been thinking about delivering dinners to new moms this for so long – how do you pray and families and trips to monasterand am I doing this right? It was just ies. Within the intentional and nice to have other women who I’m impromptu events, wives weave the assuming feel the same way and close friendships and strong spiritual want, or need, to grow in that way bonds encouraged by the Seminary, too.” and the many experienced speakers who mentor each class’ crop of Father Sergius concluded the servants of the Church. series by reprising a very important
G
REEK MINISTRY OF EDUCATION GRANTS ST. TIKHON'S SEMINARY EQUAL STANDING WITH GREEK AND EU SCHOOLS OF THEOLOGY
W
ith thanks to Almighty God, the administration and faculty of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary are pleased to announce the recent decision by the Ministry of Education of the Hellenic Republic to recognize St. Tikhon’s Seminary (STS) as an accredited institution of Higher Education, equal in standing to the schools of theology in the universities of Greece.
Furthermore, as most of Mr. Bussard’s studies at STS were completed before the Seminary received its full accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the GME’s recognition of STS is retroactive. Moreover, by virtue of Greece’s membership in the European Union (EU), the recognition of STS as an institution of higher theological learning, equal in status with the schools of theology in Greece, also extends to all schools and religious faculties of the universities within the EU’s member states. Hence, M.Div. graduates of STS are now entitled to the same privileges The GME has also affirmed accorded to the graduates in theolothat the Master of Divinity degree gy of Greece and the EU. conferred by STS is equivalent to the first degree in Theology conferred by “This is truly a great event in the Faculties of Theology in the the history of St. Tikhon’s Universities of Athens and Seminary,” said Dr. Christopher Thessalonica, and therefore renders Veniamin, Professor of Patristics, the holder eligible to pursue the “and the culmination of tremendous graduate studies programs or the work and effort by everyone associdoctoral programs (Th.D.) in those ated with STS, especially our dearly universities. beloved and deeply respected Dean, Bishop-Elect Fr. Michael Dahulich, Indeed, such is the compre- as well as our beloved alumnus hensiveness of the GME's recogni- Joseph Bussard, whose academic tion of STS that graduates of our achievements and tireless labors have Seminary also have the option of borne such fruit for the benefit of teaching Religion in the Greek High our Seminary.” School system, conditional upon satisfying certain basic requirements, The community of St. namely, by either taking at STS or Tikhon’s is grateful to God for testing out of, at Thessalonica or bestowing this great blessing upon Athens, the following subjects: our humble efforts to academically Byzantine Archeology and Art, prepare and spiritually form pastors History of the Church of Greece, and leaders for His Holy Orthodox History of Christian Doctrine, Church. 87
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
This unexpected and unsolicited honor comes in large part thanks to the efforts of STS alumnus Richard Joseph Bussard (M.Div. ’04, pictured above). Mr. Bussard has been in Greece pursuing doctoral studies at the Aristotle University of Thessalonica. It was his tireless efforts, over the past five years, to gain recognition for STS that elicited the momentous decision by the Greek Ministry of Education (GME).
Sociology of Christianity, and the Ecumenical Movement.
Diaconal Formation Program Father Victor Gorodenchuk
T
his academic year marks the third year since St. Tikhon’s Seminary started its Diaconal Formation Program at the site of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Philadelphia. As we look back at this time, there is a feeling that this program has reached her maturity and proved to be a viable way in which candidates to the diaconate can be prepared by an appropriate course of training in both theological studies and liturgical practicum.
The Diaconal Formation Program started in the fall semester of 2007. It offers eight selected courses from St. Tikhon’s Seminary program which is an equivalent of the first full year at the Seminary. Since the courses that are being offered by this program are the same as those taught on the main campus, they can go towards a full degree if a student chooses to be enrolled into further studies at St. Tikhon’s. St. Stephen‘s Cathedral, chosen because of its ideal location, can be easily accessed by those living in the major metropolitan areas of New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Delaware and Eastern Pennsylvania. Among many advantages of this program is the fact that it takes place on Saturdays during the school year. Another very important aspect of the program, which distinguishes it from correspondence courses, is the live interaction with the instructors. Many times we have heard remarks from the students that the 88
hope that the experience we have gained while running this program in Philadelphia will help us to continue this work for many years to come. We ask for the prayers of all the faithful that the Lord will continue to send the workers to His vineyard and that we will have the resources to train them in how to be good stewards and This year the Program will servants of Christ’s Holy see its second graduating class. We Church. courses made them look differently at the deepest aspects of the Orthodox faith and worship, even though they might have been Orthodox for a long time now. What is also often treasured from the years of on-campus study at any educational institution, and which is certainly present here, is the fellowship that develops among the students.
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada has accredited this Diaconal Formation Program offered by St. Tikhon’s Seminary.
DIACONAL FORMATION PROGRAM
2009-2010
Instructors and Students
Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk Lecturer in Scripture
Fr. Timothy Hojnicki Lecturer in Liturgics and Homiletics
Fr. Nicolai Buga Lecturer in Church History
Fr. David Mahaffey Lecturer in Dogmatic Theology and Spirituality
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
Stephanos Bibas, Reader John Black, Nathan Clausson, Jacob Hando, Subdeacon Seraphim Komleski, Jeff LoBalbo, Subdeacon Seraphim Reynolds, Nick Tsiadis Deacon George Zlatkowski
89
Field Education 2008-2009
In recognition of outstanding work in Field Education, representatives of SCI Waymart, Wayne Memorial Hospital and Wayne Woodlands Manor honor the seminarian-interns with certificates of recognition at the annual awards ceremony held at the theological school each May.
SCI WAYMART
“I was in prison and you came to Me...
WAYNE WOODLANDS MANOR
...I was sick and you visited Me...
WAYNE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
... Amen, amen, I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of My brethren, you did it to Me.” 90
Matt. 25:40
F IELD E DUC ATION A WARDS C EREMONY
2008-2009 Certificate Recipients ~ May 14, 2009 ~
Rev. Thaddaeus Werner
Rev. NathanThompson
Rev. Joseph McCartney 2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
PAUL ABERNATHY THE REV. MIRCEA AIRENEI NIKOLAI JESSE BRECKENRIDGE THE REV. THEOPHAN BUCK THE REV. IAN BURGESS THE REV. PATRICK BURNS THE REV. JOHN CHRISTIANSON JOSHUA COOLMAN MICHAEL DEVICH THE REV. STEPHEN DEYOUNG ABEY GEORGE MICHAEL HABIB SERAPHIM HANISCH EDWARD HENDERSON PATRICK HENRE THE REV. JOHN JONES DANA SYMEON KEES IYAD KHAIR THE REV. DN. JACOB KURIAN THE REV. MARK LICHTENSTEIN THE REV. DN. JOSEPH LUCAS THE REV. CHRISTOPHER MACIOLEK CHRISTOPHER MATHEW THE REV. GEORGE MATHEW THE REV. JOSEPH MCCARTNEY THE REV. JAMES MCKEE DEREK ALEXIS SCHMIDT THE REV. DN. ZACHARIAH SKARIAH THE REV. NATHAN THOMPSON THE REV. JOEL WEIR THE REV. THADDAEUS JOEL WERNER THE REV. JAMES WORTHINGTON
Michael Habib
91
2009 - 2010
Seminarian Ordinations
Y
ou did did not not choose choose Me, Me, ou
but I chose you and appointed you but I chose you and appointed you
that you should go and bear fruit, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain... and that your fruit should remain... (John 15:16) (John 15:16)
92
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
REVEREND DEACON John Jones was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, May 2, 2009 by His Eminence, the Most Reverend JOB, the Archbishop of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest, at Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
93
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
REVEREND DEACON Theophan Buck was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, May 16, 2009 by His Grace, the Right Reverend TIKHON, the Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, at St.Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
REVEREND DEACON Patrick Burns was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, May 23, 2009 by His Grace, the Right Reverend TIKHON, the Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, at St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
REVEREND DEACON Joel Weir was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, June 6, 2009 by His Eminence, the Most Reverend JOB, the Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest, at Saint Stephen the First Martyr Orthodox Church, in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
94
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
REVEREND DEACON Nathan Thompson was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, July 5, 2009 by His Grace, the Right Reverend JOSEPH, the Bishop of Los Angeles and the West, of the Antiochian Archdiocese, at Holy Cross Church, in Palmdale, California.
95
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
SUBDEACON Andrew Kishler was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, July 12, 2009 by His Grace, the Right Reverend MARK, the Bishop of Toledo and the Diocese of the Midwest, of the Antiochian Archdiocese, at All Saints Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinios.
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
SUBDEACON Joseph Lucas was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, July 19, 2009 by His Grace, the Right Reverend MELCHISEDEK, the Bishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, at Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
REVEREND DEACON James Worthington was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, July 25, 2009 by His Grace, the Right Reverend TIKHON, the Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, at St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
96
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
REVEREND DEACON Mircea Airinei was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, July 26, 2009 by His Grace, the Right Reverend TIKHON, the Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsyvania, at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
97
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
SEMINARY GRADUATE Ian Burgess was ordained to the Diaconate on Sunday, July 5, 2009 by Bishop TIKHON, in St. Tikhon's Monastery Church, and to the Priesthood on Sunday, August 16, 2009 by Bishop BENJAMIN, in Holy Trinity Cathedral, in San Francisco, California.
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
REVEREND DEACON Jason Franchak was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 by His Grace, the Right Reverend TIKHON, Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
REVEREND ARCHDEACON Nicholas (Terenta) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, October 18, 2009 by His Beatitude, the Most Reverend VOLODYMYR, the Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine, at Saint Elijah Orthodox Monastery, in Odessa, Ukraine.
98
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
SEMINARIAN Thaddaeus Werner was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, October 25, 2009 and to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, January 24, 2010 by His Beatitude, the Most Blessed Metropolitan JONAH, at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
99
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
SEMINARIAN Christopher Maciolek was ordained to the Diaconate on Sunday, June 7, 2009 by Archbishop JOB, in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois, and to the Priesthood on Saturday, January 30, 2010 by Bishop TIKHON, at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church, in South Canaan.
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
SEMINARIAN Patrick Smith was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 by His Grace, the Right Reverend TIKHON, the Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, at St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
REVEREND DEACON George Mathew was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, February 20, 2010 by His Grace, the Auxiliary Metropolitan Zachariah Mar NICHOLOVOS, at Saint Mary’s Bethlehem Orthodox Church, in Thottakadu, Kerala, India.
100
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
MONK Andrew Wermuth was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, Feburary 28, 2010 by His Grace, the Right Reverend MAXIM, the Bishop of the Diocese of Western America, of the Serbian Orthodox Church, at Saint Andrew Orthodox Church, in Redding, California.
101
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
SEMINARIAN Mark Lichtenstein was ordained to the Diaconate on Sunday, January 17, 2010 in St. Anthony Church, Clairton, Pa., and to the Priesthood on Saturday, March 6, at St. Gregory Palamas Monastery Church, Perrysville, Ohio, by Metropolitan MAXIMOS of Pittsburgh.
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
SEMINARIAN Zachariah (Diju) Skariah was ordained to the Subdiaconate on Saturday, March 27, 2010 by His Grace, Metropolitan Alexios Mar EUSEBIUS, of the Southwestern American Diocese of the Indian Orthodox Church, at St. Gregorios Cathedral, in Bellwood, Illinois.
SEMINARIAN Thomas Langdon was ordained to the Diaconate on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by His Beatitude, the Most Blessed JONAH, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada, at St. Tikhon's Monastery Church, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
102
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
SEMINARIAN Jacob (Jake) Kurian was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, April 10, 2010 by His Grace, Metropolitan Alexios Mar EUSEBIUS, of the Southwestern American Diocese of the Indian Orthodox Church, at St. Thomas Church, in Houston, Texas.
103
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
SEMINARIAN Zachariah Lynch was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, April 17, 2010 by His Grace, the Right Reverend TIKHON, the Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, at St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church, in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
REVEREND DEACON Danial Doss was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, May 8, 2010 by His Grace, the Right Reverend MICHAEL, Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, at SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, in Jersey City, New Jersey.
SEMINARIAN Thaddeus Franta was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, May 8, 2010 by His Grace, the Right Reverend MICHAEL, Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, at SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, in Jersey City, New Jersey.
104
2009 - 2010 Seminarian Ordinations
SEMINARY GRADUATE John Diamantis was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, May 9, 2010 by His Grace, the Right Reverend MICHAEL, Bishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, at the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection, New York City.
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
AXIOS! AXIOS! AXIOS! 105
St. Tikhon’s Mission Choir 2009-2010 MEMBERS OF ST. TIKHON’S MISSION CHOIR 2009-2010 Derek Schmidt (Director) Nikolai Breckenridge Joshua Coolman Patrick Henre Dn. Joseph Lucas Fr. Christopher Maciolek Matthew Markewich Andrew Temple Fr. Thaddaeus Werner
106
FALL 2009– SPRING 2010 MISSION CHOIR SCHEDULE
SEP 12-13
HOLY ASSUMPTION CHURCH CENTRAL CITY, PA
SEP 19-20
ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH AUBURN, NY
SEP 27
CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY VIRGIN PROTECTION, NEW YORK, NY
FEB 6-7
ST. STEPHEN CATHEDRAL, PHILADELPHIA, PA
FEB 13
HOLY APOSTLES MISSION, MECHANICSBURG, PA
FEB 14
CHRIST THE SAVIOUR CHURCH, HARRISBURG, PA
FEB 20-21 ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, COHOES, NY FEB 21
ST. SOPHIA CHURCH, ALBANY, NY
FEB 28
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, YONKERS, NY
MAR 6-7
ST. ANDREW CHURCH MAPLE HEIGHTS, OH
MAR 9
SS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH, MINERSVILLE, PA
MAR 14
CHRIST THE SAVIOUR CHURCH, PARAMUS, NJ
MAR 14
ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY CHURCH, CLIFTON, NJ
MAR 20-21 ST. ALEXANDER NEVSKY CATHEDRAL, ALLISON PARK, PA MAR 27-28 ST. ANDREW CHURCH, BALTIMORE, MD STS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH, BURR RIDGE, IL
APR 18
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, WHEATON, IL
APR 24-25 ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, HAMILTON, ONTARIO, CN MAY 2
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, RANDOLPH, NJ
MAY 8
SS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH, JERSEY CITY, NJ
MAY 9
CATHEDRAL OF THE HOLY VIRGIN PROTECTION, NEW YORK, NY
MAY 16
HOLY ASCENSION CHURCH, FRACKVILLE, PA
MAY 22-23 ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, PITTSFIELD, MA
2009 – 2010 ACADEMIC YEAR
APR 17
St. Tikhon’s Student Life
108
St. Tikhon’s Student Life
109
St. Tikhon’s Student Life
102
SAINT TIKHON’S
ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
T
HE ORTHODOX MONASTERY OF ST. TIKHON OF ZADONSK
S T O T S
St. Tikhon’s Monastery Community
BROTHERHOOD OF ST. TIKHON’S MONASTERY (L to R front): Hieromonk Innokenty (Chmerko), Igumen Sergius (Bowyer), Abbot; Bishop TIKHON, Monk Nicodemus (Kentop), Bishop MICHAEL, Hieromonk Alexander (Mayba), (L to R back): Br. Kenneth, Br. Basil, Metropolitan JONAH, Br. Petr, Monk Michael (Juk), Br. Silouan, Monk Kyrill, Br. Gabriel. Not pictured: Archimandrite Jerome (Newville). Reliquary of St. Alexis
112
S T. T I K H O N ’ S M O N A S T E RY
113
Through the Prayers of the Theotokos: A Reflection on the Enthronement of Fr. Sergius as Abbot Brother Peter
S
of the different people venerating the icon: a middle aged woman in a dark outfit and Slavic features kisses the icon, and, addressing the priest standing by, says, “My son recently died in Afghanistan, please pray for him,” and then continues. Soon after her, a young, visiting clergyman, concentrating intensely, holds his forehead to the surface of the icon almost as a child holds his forehead to the surface of his mother’s dress, and, praying seriously, asks the Virgin for what cannot not be asked of or given by any other, then crosses himself and leaves. A young seminarian, after venerating, unwinds the prayer rope from around his wrist and touches it to the surface of the icon; a young woman venerates, pauses, and almost as an after-thought, plucks one of the flowers from around the icon’s perimeter, and then continues quietly as if nobody It is interesting to become had seen. So many were the petiabsorbed in the prayerful attitudes tions brought before the icon. So aturday morning. The sound of bells resonates over the January landscape and the sun shimmers on the snow. The Kursk Root Icon has arrived at the monastery church. On this day Fr. Sergius will be enthroned as abbot of St. Tikhon’s Monastery. Entering the front doors of the church, I am met with unusual grandeur. I see the twelve serving priests, three bishops, the Metropolitan, and the visiting deacons, all vested in blue to honor the Theotokos, emerging from behind the iconostasis and, proceeding towards the cathedra, forming two great lines alongside the Wonder-Working Icon. The impression is of an unending variety of blue, sifting blue, changing as the variety of vestments catch different rays and glimmers of light, interspersing and finally re-entering the altar in straight lines.
114
many dreams and prayers that reach down into the center pulse of a person’s life. Beyond the icon, the enthronement takes place in front of the royal doors: Metropolitan JONAH entrusts Fr. Sergius with a staff and reads a winding, poetic exhortation concerning the manner in which an abbot is to care for his flock: “And this staff is entrusted to you from us. . . . Taking it from my hands of clay, consider, That you take it from the right hand of God himself. . . . This staff is given to you not for worldly dominion, But is entrusted to you as the helmsman’s rudder For the spiritual boat sailing across the stormy and billowy sea of life.”
As Metropolitan Jonah reads the prayer aloud, Igumen Sergius stands listening intently to every word. Beside the Metropolitan stands Bishop TIKHON, Fr. Sergius’ father-confessor, also listening and praying. The challenges set forth in the prayer are of such tremendous difficulty, and the executing of their aims so demanding, that the soul trembles when it hears the words: to live without vanity or vainglory, to think nothing of oneself, to be alone, deeply, with the thought of death and eternity, to internalize the deeper meanings of the transitory world around. Fr. Sergius continues listening. If the words of the prayer come true even a little, I think to myself, it will be really amazing. Compared to the life presented by the world, even to simply touch upon the spirit of holiness, to find even a little of the soundness and well-being that comes from holiness, even to the smallest degree, is still infinitely better than a worldly life; listening, one secretly hopes that the spirit of the prayer will spread out from the words spo-
ken by the Metropolitan, through Abbot Sergius, and into the brotherhood, and that it will be the agent by which we make a new beginning. The brotherhood stands scattered about the church in different locations, dispersed on account of the many guests. What is clear, though, when looking around, is that the members of the brotherhood, all from completely different cultures and backgrounds, without
the common interest in spirituality, would perhaps have very little in common and may have remained strangers in the world. They say that the way by which we acquire the Holy Spirit is as thin as a razor, that the weight of the balance is untellable, and the slightest movement too far to the left or right can lead to disaster, but if one can find the narrow way, the smallest edge, the pain involved in the process is worth a lifetime of tedium. The brotherhood, looking up towards the royal doors where the Metropolitan stands, continues to listen to the prayer, and Abbot Sergius, newly enthroned with the black staff given him by the Metropolitan, stands completely alone, absorbed in the words By midday the service has ended and the church is near empty. Fr. Sergius continues towards the refectory to eat with his visiting relatives, and the Kursk Root Icon is placed back in its sealed container and taken to the airport to be flown back to Russia, while all the various prayers that were offered up to her that morning, depart to a place not on a map or legend.
115
105
St. Tikhon’s Monastery Holds
th Annual Pilgrimage
T
he 105th Annual St. Tikhon’s Monastery Memorial Day Pilgrimage began with the great blessing of the presence of the Miracle-working Sitka Icon of the Mother of God. The Icon of Sitka is one of the most revered icons in North America. It is kept in Archangel Michael Cathedral in Sitka, Alaska. This icon was ordered by St Innocent (Veniaminov) of Moscow, the first ruling bishop of North America. The Cathedral of Archangel Michael in Sitka received this icon as a gift in 1850, two years after the completion of its construction.
On Friday, May 22, 2009, the first day of the Pilgrimage, the Sitka Icon arrived at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, brought by His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate. His Eminence was greeted by His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, along with clergy and faithful from the St. Tikhon’s community, as well as pilgrims who had arrived for the weekend. Archbishop Nathaniel and Bishop Tikhon led the procession to the monastery 116
church, where an Akathist was sung, signifying the official beginning of the pilgrimage. On Saturday, May 23, following the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the monastery church, presided by His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, St. Tikhon’s Seminary celebrated its 67th Annual Graduation. Metropolitan Jonah gave the commencement address, and was joined by fellow hierarchs, Archbishop Nathaniel, Bishop Tikhon, and His Grace, Zechariah Mar NICHOLOVOS, Assistant Metropolitan of the Northeast American
Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Following commencement, vigil was celebrated in the monastery church. The following morning, Sunday, May 24, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the monastery church. Memorial Day, May 25, began with the procession of pilgrims to the pavilion for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided by Metropolitan Jonah, who also gave his first Memorial Day Pilgrimage archpastoral homily as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. Serving with His Beatitude
were members of the Holy Synod of the OCA, His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel, His Eminence, Archbishop JOB of Chicago and the Midwest, His Grace, Bishop NIKON of Boston and New England, His Grace, Bishop Tikhon, and Bishop-Elect MELCHISEDEK of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Also joining the hierarchs, from the Moscow Patriarchate, was His Grace, Bishop MERCURIUS of Zaraisk. The afternoon continued with the Healing Service, celebrated by Bishop Tikhon and area clergy, at the Bell Tower Chapel. Hundreds of pilgrims were anointed “with the oil of gladness.” The day’s festivities concluded with the celebration of Vespers and Matins in the monastery church. Over the course of many
years, miracles have occurred following prayers offered before this miracle-working image of the Sitka Icon of the Mother of God. The opinion exists among the faithful of Alaska that it is specifically the gaze of the Mother of God through the Sitka Icon that heals those who pray before her. Many received healing of their vision after such prayers. The placid visage of the Mother of God in this icon is described as “a pearl of Russian ecclesiastical art, pearly tenderness, purity and harmony…” and the most beautiful face of the Theotokos and the divine Son she holds. The execution of this icon is so fine and artistic that the more one looks at it, the more 1966, the church burned down, but difficult it is to look away. the Sitka Icon miraculously At first, the Sitka Icon was survived. Now, in the rebuilt temple, part of the main iconostasis of a special place for this icon was Archangel Michael Cathedral. In erected to the left of the iconostasis.
S T. T I K H O N ’ S M O N A S T E RY
117
Departed Monastics of St. Tikhon’s Monastery Metropolitan IRENEY Metropolitan MAKARY Metropolitan VLADIMIR Metropolitan ALEXANDER Metropolitan THEOPHAN Metropolitan THEOPHILUS Metropolitan PLATON Metropolitan LEONTY Archbishop PALLADIUS Archbishop BENJAMIN Archbishop KIPRIAN Archbishop ARSENY Archbishop JERONIM Archbishop NIKON Archbishop DIONYSIUS Archbishop JOHN Archbishop SYLVESTER Archbishop ANATOLY Archbishop APPOLINARY Archbishop DIMITRY Archbishop VITALY Archbishop AMVROSSY Archbishop EVDOKIM Archbishop ALEXIS Archbishop ADAM Archbishop ANTONIN Archbishop INNOCENT Archbishop SERAPHIM Archbishop JOHN Archbishop JOASAPH Archbishop VLADIMIR Archbishop PHILLIP Archbishop VALERIAN Archbishop TIKHON Archbishop NICHOLAS Bishop EMMANUEL Bishop JOASAPH Bishop ANATOLY Bishop JOASAPH Bishop AGATHANGEL Bishop JOSE Bishop STEPHEN Bishop PAUL 118
Bishop BORIS Bishop STEPHEN Bishop VJACHESLAV Bishop PETER Bishop JOHN Bishop POLICARP Bishop PAUL Bishop BASIL Bishop MARK Bishop PETER Bishop JONAH Bishop ANTHONY Bishop AMPHILOKY Bishop ANTHONY Bishop NESTOR Bishop JOHN
Hegumen Gamaliel (Allman) Hegumen Gennady (Eykalovich) Hieromonk Tikhon (Rostovsky) Hieromonk Alexander Hieromonk Michael Hieromonk Nifont Hieromonk Paisii Hieromonk Jacob Hieromonk Myron
Archimandrite Anthony (Repella) Archimandrite Luke (Sirkun) Archimandrite Andronik (Elpedinsky) Archimandrite Varnava Archimandrite Inna Archimandrite Ioanniky (Kraskoff) Archimandrite Peter Archimandrite Seraphim (Oblivantsev) Archimandrite Nikifor (Kapitanchuk) Archimandrite Vasily (Philipoff) Archimandrite Sebastian (Gyza) Archimandrite Hilary (Madison) Hegumen Kiprian (Chupek) Hegumen Hierotheos (Lucik) Hegumen Laza Hegumen Anastasii Hegumen John (Morozoff) Hegumen Rodion Hegumen Prokopy Hegumen Pachomy (Deliman) Hegumen Varsonofy (Stephanov) Hegumen Mavriky Hegumen Nicholas (Shambura) Hegumen Roman (Serdynski)
Novice Phillip
Hierodeacon Constantine (Shwed) Monk Mitrophan Monk Naum (Sepciuk) Monk Sergei (Udics) Monk Anthony (Duchaine)
May Their Memory Be Eternal!
Vyechnaya Pamyat!
SAINT TIKHON’S
ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
BENEFACTORS
AND SUPPORTERS
S T O T S
120
B E N E FA C T O R S A N D S P O N S O R S
121
Benefactors and Scholarship Sponsors
Once again this year, the Saint Alexis Foundation, co-chaired by Deacon Michael and Matushka Arlene Pasonick, raised nearly $100,000 for the Seminary, half of which was their personal donation to the school. The couple is shown presenting their contribution to His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, Rector of the Seminary.
The largest auxiliary organization of the Seminary is the St. Tikhon’s Century Association. Each year, the group raises nearly $50,000 in support of the theological school. Presenting this year’s donation to the Seminary Rector is the president, Mrs. Sarah Jubinski. With her is spiritual advisor, Very Rev. Archpriest Joseph Martin.
Robert Roth, a faithful member of St. Tikhon’s Monastery parish, and Volunteer Library Assistant at the Seminary, has donated a $6,000 “Adopt a Seminarian” scholarship for the second consecutive year. Recipient of the award is Deacon Zachariah Lynch, from Colorado Springs, who is shown with his wife Mat. Natalia and their five children.
122
Benefactors and Scholarship Sponsors
For the third consecutive year, Christ the Saviour Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has “adopted” Seminarian Derek Alexis Schmidt with a full $6,000 per academic year scholarship. Shown with the director of St. Tikhon’s Mission Choir are Seminary alumni, Rev. Stephen Vernak, rector of the parish, and Very Rev. Archpriest Daniel Ressetar.
Mrs. Mary Romanchak and her brother Paul Koronchik of St. Nicholas Church in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, have donated more than $100,000 in scholarship assistance in the past year for students studying for the holy priesthood at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. The pastor of St. Nicholas parish is Rev. Fr. Barnabas Fravel, a St. Tikhon’s alumnus.
B E N E FA C T O R S A N D S P O N S O R S
Thanking the faithful of Holy Cross Church in Williamsport for their continued support of the “Adopt a Seminarian” Program is their pastor, the Very Rev. Daniel Kovalak, an alumnus of St. Tikhon’s Seminary and a member of the faculty of the school. Recipient of the scholarship is graduating senior, Fr. Joel Weir, from Crawfordsville, Ind.
123
Benefactors and Scholarship Sponsors
For many years Mary Opalak has offered a scholarship for an academically deserving student preparing for service in the Church as a priest. She is shown with the Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, His Grace, the Rt. Rev. MICHAEL, Bishop of New York and New Jersey, at his enthronement in Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in New York City.
Peter and John Soroka have been benefactors of St. Tikhon’s Seminary for several years. Calling the seminarians their “angels”, the brothers have offered at least $5,000 annually in support of the theological school. They are shown with their pastor, the Very Rev. Emil Hutnyan, of St. Andrew’s Church in Maple Heights, Ohio, an alumnus of the Seminary.
Elsie Skvir Nierle, a parishioner of Holy Cross Church in Williamsport, Pa., has offered two “Adopt a Seminarian” full scholarships for the past several years – one in memory of her beloved sister Mary, and the other on behalf of her family. Elsie is also the chairman of the Ganister Foundation, a charitable organization which supports Orthodox apostolates.
124
“Adopt a Seminarian” – St.Tikhon’s Scholarship Program
S
t. Tikhon’s Seminary is a theological graduate school whose primary purpose is to spiritually form and theologically educate the future deacons, priests, and bishops of the Orthodox Church in this country. Located in South Canaan, Pa. (northeast of Scranton), the Seminary presently has an enrollment of 106 students, from almost every ethnic jurisdiction in North America and various national churches throughout the world. The Seminary is attached to St. Tikhon’s Monastery, the oldest Orthodox monastic community in North America. Founded more than 100 years ago by thenArchbishop of North America, St. Tikhon of Moscow, and blessed by then-Bishop, St. Raphael of Brooklyn, the Monastery gave birth to the Seminary as a pastoral school to help educate priests for the missionary diocese of America (rather than pull monks out of the Monastery to serve parishes). The Seminary’s relationship to the Monastery remains its single greatest asset. The Monastery provides the seminarians with the ability to attend and participate in the full cycle of divine services every day, and affords each student the opportunity to have a monastic as his spiritual father-confessor. Students who choose to attend St. Tikhon’s cite the Seminary-Monastery relationship as the most important reason for coming, and those who graduate look back and say the Monastery was a most important influence in Seminary life. No other Orthodox graduate seminary in the United States has this benefit in forming pastors.
A parish or organization may offer an annual scholarship as a community project: for example, 20 persons donating $25 a month (or $300 per year) to equal a full $6,000 scholarship; or 10 persons donating $25 a month (or $300 per year) as a semester scholarship of $3,000. Once a scholarship donation has been received by the Seminary, it is awarded to an academically deserving student who is in financial need. The school notifies the donor – the individual, parish or organization – of the recipient’s name and sends them a biography and photograph of him (and his family). The student then stays in communication with the donor, not only thanking the benefactor for the scholarship but also apprising them of his progress in his studies towards Ordination. The Seminary further encourages the student and donor to meet in person. To date, eight parishes lead the “honor roll” in giving full scholarships each year: Christ the Saviour Church, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Christ the Saviour Church, Paramus, New Jersey Holy Cross Church, Williamsport, Pennsylvania Protection of the Theotokos Monastery, Weaverville, North Carolina St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Allison Park, Pennsylvania St. Elijah Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma St. Michael Church, Broadview Heights, Ohio St. Michael Church, Louisville, Kentucky
In addition, eleven other parishes are donors of partial, one-semester scholarships: Christ the Saviour Church in Chicago, Ill.; Holy Apostles Mission in Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Holy Ascension Church in Frackville, Pa.; St. Andrew Church in Baltimore, Md.; St. John the Evangelist Church in Memphis, Tenn.; St. Mary Church in Coaldale, Pa.; St. Michael Church in Jermyn, Pa.; St. Nicholas Church in Pittsfield, Mass.; St. Paul Church in Houston, Tex.; SS. Peter and Paul Church in East Herkimer, N.Y.; and St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Washington, D.C. Another 100 individuals or organizations also offer either a full or partial scholarship. A Seminary scholarship is an investment in the future of Christ’s Church. While the amount of the donation will not accrue interest for the individual or parish, something far greater is its benefit: You will have a future priest praying for you every day of his Seminary career, thanking God for your donation; and someday, when he stands at the Holy Altar as a priest, you will be remembered at every Liturgy he offers to Christ. Your gift will also be a fulfillment of the words of the Scripture, spoken by the Holy Apostle St. Paul: “In all things I have shown you that while working hard one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts of the Apostles 20:35). Seminary scholarship donations should be made payable to St. Tikhon’s Seminary with a note designating the name of the scholarship, and mailed to: Saint Tikhon’s Seminary c/o Fr. Alexander Atty Post Office Box 130 South Canaan, PA 18459 Thank you for your consideration of this appeal, and may God bless and keep you in His loving care.
125
B E N E FA C T O R S A N D S P O N S O R S
The majority of students at St. Tikhon’s are married and live off campus, because as yet there is no married student housing; many of them have children. Neither they nor the single students who live in the dormitory are able to work because of the full-time course load, the hours of Church services they are required to attend, and the extra time needed for after-school study. Therefore, many of the students who do not have income saved in advance are not in a position to pay their tuition and other costs are also unable to seek employment to fund such expenses. Thus, the school seeks for these students scholarships that are subsidized by parish churches and individual benefactors.
The cost of a full scholarship is $6,000 a year. The cost of a scholarship for a single semester is $3,000, and scholarships can be given in smaller increments as well. Scholarships may be given by parishes – in the parish’s name (for example, Christ the Saviour Church, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Scholarship) – or by individuals, in their own name, in the name of members of their family, or in Loving Memory of family members or friends who have fallen asleep in the Lord.
ST. TIKHON'S CENTURY ASSOCIATION St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary South Canaan, Pennsylvania 18459 (570) 937-4411 Vice President Mary Sernak Treasurer Maria Proch
His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, Honorary President His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, Honorary President Very Reverend Joseph Martin, Spiritual Advisor Sarah B. Jubinski, President
Secretary Mat. Gloria Martin Financial Secretary Mat. Dorothy Sulich
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SPIRITUAL FUTURE? Join St. Tikhon's Century Association Today and Protect our Inheritance! Thirty-eight years ago, a group of dedicated Orthodox Christians formed the Century Association to ensure the best possible future for St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary. The primary purpose of the Association is to provide spiritual support and financial assistance for the educational programs offered by the Seminary. Through annual membership contributions, donations, and fund raising projects such as the Winter Festival, the Association has contributed thousands of dollars to the Seminary. This funding allows the Seminary to continue to provide the highest quality of theological education and spiritual formation to men who are preparing for Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. St. Tikhon's graduates serve the spiritual needs of Orthodox faithful throughout the world. Alumni also serve the Church in educational and musical positions and help strengthen the bonds of Orthodox fellowship. Please join the members of the Century Association as we continue in our dedication to protect the sacred and holy work of the Seminary. Joining the Century Association confirms your love of God and His Holy Orthodox Church and your sincere interest in strengthening our Faith for future generations. Our children, their children, and the generations to follow are depending upon us.
126
127
ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY CENTURY ASSOCIATION His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, Honorary President His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, Honorary President The Very Reverend Joseph Martin, Spiritual Advisor Sarah B. Jubinski, President Mary Sernak, Vice President Mat. Gloria Martin, Secretary Matushka Dorothy Sulich, Financial Secretary Maria Proch, Treasurer
Syosset, New York South Canaan, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Mayfield, Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania South Canaan, Pennsylvania Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, His Grace, Bishop TIKHON of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, and the community of St. Tikhonís Theological Seminary join the officers of the Century Association in expressing their gratitude to the following individuals who have become members of St. Tikhonís Seminary Century Association:
ARIZONA Harold Homyak Eleanor M. Phillips Kay Slanta ARKANSAS Rev. Fr. John Maxwell CALIFORNIA Laura A. Bochnak Michael Habib Joseph & Sophia Laychak Igor Olenicoff Konstantine Sakovich Mat. Mary Anne Plefka-Weir Fr. William Weir COLORADO V. Rev. Paul S. Fedec Archpriest Eugene D. Tarris CONNECTICUT Helen Sinchuk Allen Cooke Family Barbara Ann Dixon Fr. Vladimir Horoszczak Doris G. Johnson Mat. Elizabeth Pishtey - Memory of Archpriest Joseph Pishtey, Class of 1944
128
DELAWARE Nicholas & Marie Holowatch Margaret Roman DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Phoebe Felk FLORIDA Rev. David & Mat. Mary Balmer Wasil & Anne Boyko Mat. Natalie Breyan Mrs. Helen K. Cvirko Richard & Victoria Boyko Fullwood John & Rebecca Hanchak Ms. Pauline Karnillow Mrs. Rose Minarick John M. Peregrim Mat. Irene Rachko Dennis J. Woomer, M.D. GEORGIA Rev. & Mrs. George Alexson Dr. Gail Glushko V. Rev. & Mrs. Dimitri Oselinsky Archpriest John W. & Denise Stefero ILLINOIS Agnes P. Fryntzko
Mat. Eva Hubiak Thomas & Mary Kincaid Michael & Mary Obmascik Fr. Michael Prevas & Family INDIANA Gene Adamczyk Mat. Nadine Eskoff Brown Rev. & Mrs. David Moretti MARYLAND Ms. Martha Baxtresser Josephine-Catherine Carandang Jim & Rosalie Luster V. Rev. John & Mat. Doris Mason MASSACHUSETTS Rt. Rev. Bishop NIKON Fr. Vasily & Mat. Nancy Gilbert MICHIGAN Nettie A. Jury Dr. John Kopin Rev. Lev Kopistiansky Mrs. Elaine Petouhoff MINNESOTA James & Mary Ann Brinda John & Barbara Leschisin
MONTANA Archpriest John W. Anderson NEW HAMPSHIRE Deborah M. Donlick NEW JERSEY Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Abig Anonymous Theodore & Anna Babich Philip Benedict Benda Nicholas & Pearl Berezniak Paul & Eleanor Boshko Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Boulle Robert M. Boulle Mr. & Mrs. Michael Burak Michael D. Drake V. Rev. George P. Hasenecz John & Anne Hutnyan Peter & Florence Junda Rev. Stephen Kaznica Tanya Kwoka Martha W. Lutz Mary Macinsky Annette Milkovich Zoran Milkovich John & Olya Monchak Mr. & Mrs. Stefan Nafranowicz Archpriest John & Eugenia Nehrebecki Barbara N. Penn Leo & Nell Radionoff Mrs. Helen Rodenbaugh V. Rev. W. Sophrony Royer Manya Shark H. Lynn Siry Betty Swizz Fr. David & Mariam Vernak Mr. & Mrs. John Wanko Milan & Roza Zivanov NEW YORK Rt. Rev. Bishop MICHAEL Jeanne & Alexander Alexandrovich Mrs. Anna Bahan Jeanette Z. Bely Michael Brand Craig D. Brennan John & Irene Buckla
Mary Holowatch Burke V. Rev. & Mrs. Daniel Degyansky Joseph Domanick George Dorosko Mat. Dolores Dzury Archpriest Alexander & Carol Garklavs Mary Gelement Fr. & Mrs. Sergei Glagolev Mrs. Olga Hayes & Family Mr. & Mrs. Bruce D. Keeler Olga & Daniel Koshansky Mr. Michael Kruge Alexander W. Luckanick, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ludemann Stephen & Olga Melnick Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Mitchko Walter Palchik* Lydia Pelitsch Dennis & Pauline Somple Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Tarbay William & Eleanor Wasilko Bernice Yarosh NORTH CAROLINA Nonna Berdy Skumanich OHIO Raymond J. Asik Mary E. Bezbatchenko Drs. John & Judy Blebea Mrs. Mary Cunningham Wasil Glushko Mary Gresko Ms. Susan A. Guzy Barbara J. Kolesar Mr. Paul Laskovich Ms. Helen Livosky Subdn. & Mrs. Paul T. Maty Dr. & Mrs. Nicola B. Nicoloff Patricia Ann Pavelchak Pauline Petronek Margaret Petty Leon & Barbara Sheean Patricia A. Thompson Jerome & Cynthia Yurch PENNSYLVANIA Most Blessed Metropolitan
HERMAN Most Blessed Metropolitan THEODOSIUS Rt. Rev. Bishop TIKHON A Son of the Seminary A Friend of the Seminary A Friend of the Seminary A Friend of the Seminary Sergei & Irene Arhipov Alice Boga Dr. Harry Boosalis John & Florence Boyko** Fr. Martin & Mat. Heidi Browne Mrs. Edward Brzuchalski Agnes Buranich Thomas L. Casper Paul Chernay Emma Collins Jamie Davis Mrs. Marie Derkasch Stephen G. Doncevic V. Rev. & Mrs. Daniel K. Donlick* Rdr. Thomas & Melissa Donlick Martha Dorosh Michael & Mary Dorosh Damian A. Drasher Elizabeth Dutko Kay Fedirko Theodore & Elizabeth Fedora Alexandra Fedorchak Joseph & Pauline Fetsko Betty Figura Drs. David & Mary Ford Annabel Franchak Subdn. Vasily Gardecki V. Rev. Daniel & Mat. Mary Geeza Mat. Elizabeth Geeza Roy & Eileen Glisan Patricia Stetz Grammes Miss Elsie Herman John A. Hockin Larissa Holowaty William Hudak Mary Huniak Archpriest James & Matushka Natalie Jadick Peter & Sarah Jubinski Dr. Peter D. Jubinski Stephen Karas 129
Rose M. Kennedy Archdn. & Mrs. Alexei Klimitchev George Kopestonsky V. Rev. & Mrs. T. Stephen Kopestonsky V. Korba Mary E.J. Korpusik Atty. John Krisa Igor & Aleutina Kropov Mr. & Mrs. John Kuchmanich Mr. & Mrs. Basil Kuchta Mat. Helen Kuchta Gloria Woolever Kundrat Metro Lazorack Fr. Nilus Lerro Rdr. Bartholomew Jeffrey & Michele Lovell Mary Lovell John W. Lozo, Jr. Robert (Seraphim) Mack Steve & Jean Malec Ralph R. Mamay Archpriest Joseph & Mat. Gloria Martin Marina Martin Kathryn Mason Frances Meholic Joseph & Olga Mikus Helen Panco Moncovich Protodn. Gregory & Mat. Martha Moser Martha Mossner Mr. & Mrs. John Nayduch Elsie Skvir Nierle John & Kyra Nightingale Arlene Oakill Michael Oluich Nicholas Orser Martin S. Paluch Catherine Paulasack Dr. George J. & Elaine Pazin V. Rev. John J. Perich Lonnie Polli Stephen Pregrim Maria Proch Marie Proch Jerusalem Pugh Fr. Daniel & Mat. Theodora Ressetar 130
Nicholas D. Ressetar Robert H. Roth Joseph Russian Jack & Kathryn Semenko Mr. & Mrs. Peter Senio Mary Sernak Mr. & Mrs. George Serniak V. Rev. & Mrs. David Shewczyk Mrs. Olga Shewczyk Helen Shurina Basil, Eva, Anna & Helena Smith Samuel A. Sokolik, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Sovyrda Gloria Spitko Dr. Eli & Paula Stavisky Joan Stetz Mat. Nina Stroyen Mat. Dorothy Sulich Basil & Irene Sumple V. Rev. Dennis & Mat. Marion Swencki Irene Swirdovich Anna Swoboda Jerome Tarris Nicholas Tatusko Wash Telepchak Mat. Fran Vansuch V. Rev. Claude Vinyard Olga Onufer Woodward Protodn. Dr. Michael & Mary Wusylko Rosemary Ziegenfuss Mr. & Mrs. John Zoranski Anna Zupko TEXAS Ed & Jody Oppermann Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Rogers Anna Tanchak VIRGINIA Dr. & Mrs. Frank Dellermann John & Pat Ihnat Larisa V. Looby Apolinary J. & Elizabeth Manchuk Gregory Meholic, DDS Vera Repella Meiss V. Rev. Andrew D. & Tanya Nelko & Family
Dr. Gennady & Donya Platoff John Slanta Daniel & Rossitza Wartonick Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Zangos WASHINGTON Alexander & Marie Popoff WISCONSIN V. Rev. & Mrs. Alexis W. Fedec Fr. Vladimir & Virginia Lecko CANADA Fr. Theodore Gove * Life Member ** Deceased Life Member
We also wish to thank the following churches and organizations that have become members of ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY CENTURY ASSOCIATION:
Carpatho Russian Citizens Club Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection Orthodox Church of St. Gregory of Nyssa Russian Brotherhood Organization of the USA Saint John of Damascus Auxiliary Saint Mary "O" Club Saint Mary "O" Club Saint Nicholas Church, Mission Outreach Committee Saint Stephen O.C.F. (F.O.C.A. #82) Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church South River "R" Club
Hudson, Pennsylvania New York, New York Columbus, Ohio Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Poway, California Merrillville, Indiana Minneapolis, Minnesota Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Bayonne, New Jersey South River, New Jersey Minersville, Pennsylvania Union Dale, Pennsylvania South River, New Jersey
Grant rest eternal in blessed repose, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants, the departed members of St. Tikhon’s Seminary Century Association, who are fallen asleep, and make their memory to be eternal!
131
An Appreciation… St Tikhon’s Theological Seminary wishes to express its deep gratitude and thanks to the Parishes, Organizations, Alumni, Members of the Century Association, and Friends of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, as well as to all other supporters of the Seminary who, by their fine work and contributions, assisted in the publication of this edition of the Tikhonaire. Thank you and may God bless you. Following is a listing of those who responded favorably to our solicitation of ads; these ads appear, in full, in the special Ad Book. CONNECTICUT Three Saints Orthodox Church Ansonia Saint Alexis Orthodox Church Clinton All Saints Orthodox Church - Hartford Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church - Meriden Holy Trinity Orthodox Church New Britain Saint Mary Assumption Orthodox Church - Stamford
Church - Louisville Saint George the Trophy Bearer Chapel - Louisville MARYLAND
NEW YORK Saint Andrew Orthodox Church Baltimore MASSACHUSETTS Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America - Boston
DELAWARE
MICHIGAN
Saint Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church - Wilmington
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Detroit Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral - Detroit Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church - Livonia
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral Washington
NEW JERSEY FLORIDA Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Safety Harbor ILLINOIS Christ the Savior Orthodox Church Chicago Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Joliet KENTUCKY Saint Michael Antiochian Orthodox 132
Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Saddle Brook Holy Spirit Orthodox Church Wantage
Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church - Alpha Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church - Bayonne Orthodox Christian Church of the Annunciation - Brick Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church - Clifton Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church Paramus Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church - Passaic Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Rahway
Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Brooklyn Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Cohoes Orthodox Christian Church of the Holy Transfiguration - Pearl River Church of Our Lady of Kazan Sea Cliff Saint John Chrysostom Orthodox Church - Woodside OHIO Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church - Campbell Saint Andrew Orthodox Church Maple Heights Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Mogadore PENNSYLVANIA Saint Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral - Allison Park Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church Berwick Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Bethlehem Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church - Canonsburg Saint Mary Orthodox Church -
Central City Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Charleroi Saint Mary Orthodox Church Coaldale Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Coatesville Saint Michael Orthodox Church Curtisville Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church - Dundaff Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church - Edwardsville Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Frackville Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church Harrisburg Saint Michael Orthodox Church Irvona Saint Michael Orthodox Church Jermyn Holy Ascension Orthodox Church Lykens Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church - Masontown Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church - Minersville Saint Michael Orthodox Church Mount Carmel Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church - Nanticoke Saint Michael Orthodox Church Old Forge All Saints Orthodox Church Olyphant Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Olyphant Saint Stephen Orthodox Cathedral Philadelphia Holy Assumption of Mary Orthodox Church - Pittsburgh Saint Michael Orthodox Church Portage Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church - Saint Clair Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church - Shillington Saint Basil Orthodox Church in America - Simpson Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Church - South Canaan Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church - Uniondale Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral
Wilkes-Barre Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Wilkes-Barre Holy Cross Orthodox Church Williamsport WASHINGTON Saint Spiridon Orthodox Cathedral Seattle WEST VIRGINIA Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church Weirton ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS Rt. Rev. Bishop MICHAEL (Dahulich) Memoriam: Smerznak, Medak, Kidwell and Mazzucco Family Memoriam: Father Vladimir and Matushka Mary Borischevsky Memoriam: Anna Berdy Dutko & Berdy Family - Edwardsville, Pa. Memoriam: Archimandrite Sebastian (Gyza) Memoriam: Jacewicz Family Memoriam: Sonya Jubinsky by Jubinsky Family Memoriam: V. Rev. Stephen Karaffa by Matushka Gayle & Family Memoriam: Kren Family by Nettie Kren Memoriam: Matushka Karen Mahaffey, by Family Memoriam: Alexandra Popovchak by Husband Andrew Memoriam: Rev. Father Michael J. Semenko by Family Memoriam: Father Basil Stroyen Memoriam: Paul Wozniak South Canaan, Pa. V. Rev. Dr. D. Alexander Atty & Family - Louisville, Ky. Holy Trinity Orthodox Senior Apartments – Louisville, Ky. “Building Dreams” – Louisville, Ky. Saint Tikhon's Century Association South Canaan, Pa. Cranberry Internal Medicine - Michael Wusylko, MD and John Pazin, MD
Family First Healthcare Weirton, W. Va. Frackville Deanery - Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania Society of the Friends of St. Tikhon's South Canaan, Pa. Mothers & Daughters Club, St. John’s Edwardsville, Pa. Fr. John Naumovich Literary “R” Club, Chapter 50, FOCA Edwardsville, Pa. Walter Palchik Jewelry Old Bethpage, N.Y. Archpriest Daniel & Matushka Theodora Ressetar - Harrisburg, Pa. Russian Brotherhood Organization of the USA - Philadelphia, Pa. Russin Funeral Homes Wilkes-Barre/Edwardsville, Pa. Dr. John Schultz Family Weirton, W.Va. Protodn. Dr. Michael, Mat. Mary and Natasha Wusylko Adams CATV, Inc. - Carbondale, Pa. Ben-Mar Restaurant - Carbondale, Pa. Martin Caufield Memorial Works Honesdale, Pa. Comfort Inn - Lake Ariel, Pa. Community Bank and Trust Co. Clarks Summit, Pa. Country Trails General Store South Canaan, Pa. Franks Builders - Simpson, Pa. Genetti Manor - Dickson City, Pa. Honesdale National Bank Honesdale, Pa. Keystone Propane Service, Inc., Throop/Greentown, Pa. Kundla’s Western Beef - Hamlin, Pa. La Lame, Inc. - New York, N.Y. Lenox Propane - Uniondale, Pa. Oliveri's Crystal Lake Hotel Carbondale, Pa. Pennstar Bank Ray’s Shur Save Market Waymart, Pa. Schiff’s Cash and Carry Scranton, Pa. Helen Smerznak - Ansonia, Conn. Vladika Agency - Jermyn, Pa. R. J. Walker - Scranton, Pa.
133
THE SOCIETY OF THE F R I E N D S O F S T. T I K H O N ’ S P.O. Box 130
—
South Canaan, PA 18459
—
(570) 937-4411
His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH, Honorary President His Grace, Bishop TIKHON, Honorary President Very Rev. Daniel K. Donlick, Spiritual Advisor John W. Paluch, President Protodeacon Gabriel Petorak, Vice-President Mrs. Alice Boga, Secretary
Matushka Dorothy Sulich, Financial Secretary Reader Thomas Donlick, Treasurer Charles Yacovelli, Auditor
For over 40 years, The Society of the Friends of St. Tikhon’s has labored to fulfil its sole purpose: the offering of spiritual and financial support to the communities of St. Tikhon’s Monastery and St. Tikhon’s Seminary Through the decades, thousands of pious Orthodox Christians – clergy and laypersons alike – have offered their fervent prayers, their time and talents and financial gifts, for the benefit of St. Tikhon’s Seminary. Their generous contributions and numerous “labors of love” have resulted in more than one million dollars in support for our center for theological education and spiritual enrichment in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. The members of the Society remain undaunted in their commitment, inspired and encouraged by the words of our Father among the Saints, John Chrysostom, the golden-mouthed Archbishop of Constantinople: “For in nothing do we draw so close to God as in doing good to man.” They have achieved great things for our Seminary and Monastery by loving and caring, giving and sharing on behalf of others, and in the name of Christ. Much still needs to be accomplished at our Center of Orthodoxy in South Canaan. We need your prayers, your talents, and your support. Won’t you please consider becoming a member of The Society of the Friends of St. Tikhon’s?
Annual Membership $20.00 Name __________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State ____________ Zip ___________
For further information or correspondence contact:
T he S oc iety of Fr ie nds of S t. Ti kho n’s St. Tikhon’s Rd. P.O. Box 130 South Canaan, Pennsylvania 18459-0130 Phone: (570) 937-4411
Memory Eternal! Grant rest eternal in blessed repose, O Lord, to Thy servants, the departed members of the Society of the Friends of St. Tikhon’s who have fallen asleep, and make their memory to be eternal!
134
mnogaya leta!
135
136
(888) 454-6678
www.stspress.com
St. Tikhon’s Bookstore has a display area of approximately 7000 sq. feet. We offer a full line of custom made items including: vestments, icons, church furnishings and bells at competitive prices. The Bookstore is operated for the benefit of the Monastery. It offers its services to students, priests, parishes and visitors. The Bookstore has an excellent assortment of Orthodox and other Christian publications, CDs, audio and video tapes and various other items from all over the world.
CREDITS
Published with the blessing of His Beatitude, The Most Blessed Metropolitan JONAH, President and His Grace, The Right Reverend Bishop TIKHON, Rector
Tikhonaire Staff His Grace, the Right Reverend Bishop MICHAEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Editor Rev. Fr. David Cowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor Rev. Fr. John Soucek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art Director, Design and Layout Editor Innocent Neal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Design and Layout Editor Rev. Fr. Joel Weir, John Malcom, Nicklas Aiello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Student Editors Joshua Coolman, Abraham Labrada-Santiago, Martin Paluch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Photographers Matushka Dorothy Sulich, Mary Sernak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising
Special thanks to those who contributed photographs for use in this publication.
~ GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS! ~ ©2010 St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
138
106th Annual Pilgrimage Schedule St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Orthodox Monastery South Canaan, Pennsylvania
May 28 – 31, 2010 The Brotherhood of St. Tikhon’s Monastery invites all to gather with our beloved Hierarchs, Clergy, and faithful Orthodox Christians for prayers and spiritual renewal at America’s oldest Orthodox Monastery. Friday, May 28th, 2010 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Blessing of the Well and the Official Opening of the 106th Pilgrimage Vespers and Matins – Monastery Church Meal in the Monastery Trapeza for all Pilgrims
Saturday, May 29th, 2010 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy – Monastery Church Greeting of the Miraculous Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon of the Mother of God Meal in the Monastery Trapeza for all Pilgrims 68th Annual Academic Commencement of St. Tikhon's Theological Seminary Commencement Speaker: His Grace, Bishop JOSEPH, Bishop of Los Angeles and the West (Antiochian Archdiocese of North America) Resurrection Vigil – Monastery Church Meal in the Monastery Trapeza for all Pilgrims
Sunday, May 30th, 2010 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy – Monastery Church Meal in the Monastery Trapeza for all Pilgrims Vespers and Matins – Monastery Church* Meal in the Monastery Trapeza Grand Banquet – Genetti Convention Center, Dickson City
Monday, May 31st, 2010 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
Divine Liturgy – Monastery Church* Procession from Diocesan Center to Pavilion for Liturgy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy – Pavilion Akathist to St. Alexis – Monastery Church Molieben to the Most Holy Theotokos and Anointing of the Sick, Infirm and of all Pilgrims – Monastery Bell Tower Vespers and Matins – Monastery Church *Priests will be available during services for private confession at these times. 139
St. Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary A Center of Orthodoxy 35
36
LEGEND 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
140
Monastery Church of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery Dormitory Monastery Dining Hall (Trapeza) Garage St. Seraphim of Sarov Shrine Monastery Well Chapel Comfort Facilities Metropolitan THEODOSIUS Museum (Top level) & St. Tikhon’s Bookstore (Bottom level) Fr. Naumovich Memorial Pilgrims Shrine Fr. Nahum’s Chapel Old Bookstore (Original Seminary Library) Bell Tower and Icon Repository/Museum Metropolitan LEONTY’s Tomb Original Fr. Toth’s (St. Alexis) Tomb All Saints of America Shrine Metropolitan PLATON’s Chapel Monastery Mausoleum
19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36.
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary Faculty Residence Pavilion St. John the Divine Chapel Metropolitan LEONTY Dormitory Christ the High Priest Shrine Millennium of Baptism of Rus Shrine St. Nicholas Shrine SS. Cyril and Methodius Shrine Memorial to the Departed Members of the Russian Catholic Mutual Aid Society St. Peter Walking on the Water Shrine Christ and the Little Children Shrine Christ Enthroned Shrine Christ and the Pilgrims Shrine Millennium Bell Tower Maintenance Building Men’s Monastery Guest House Family Monastery Guest House