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St. Tikhon’s Seminary held its Vocation’s Retreat from November 11-12.  Twelve participants came together to share their respective journeys along with several current seminarians, pray together, and join in the celebration of the ordination of Dn. Matthew Joyner to the Holy Priesthood.

The theme of the retreat was Saint John Chrysostom:  Champaion of the Priesthood. Fr. Ignatius Gauvain, Director of Student Life, offered a presentation on Saint John Chrysostom as related to the retreat participants; vocational discernment.  Also, during the brunch following the ordination, Dr. David Ford, Professor of Church History, shared some translations of Saint John Chrysostom’s correspondence with Deaconess Olympia, of Constantinople, during his exile.  These translations will soon be published.

The Vocation’s Retreat, traditionally held on Lazarus Saturday, was moved back to the fall both to seek greater participation, and to offer more time for those attending who subsequently decide to apply, to complete application materials.  From these vantage points, and from the feedback from participants, this move was certainly worthwhile.  

May God continue to bless the lives of those particpating in the vocation’s retreat!